Bihira akong makapagsimba na hindi distracted, madalas sa rubrics kasi ako nakatingin (if you know, you know). But this time, it felt different. I approached the altar with inner trembling. The typhoon reminded me of my rightful place in the universe. Before the random and unmerciful power of nature, I am merely contingent. One day I’m around. The next day I could be gone in an instant. Conscious of this, I can’t help but pray to God for those affected by the calamities in the Visayas. I also pray for the entire country, exhausted by politico-informational warfare.

A little reflection to share

Just to share a little reflection. Lest I forget, primarily, it’s for me.

We celebrate this Sunday the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, or more formally, the Papal Archbasilica of the Savior, the oldest among the major basilicas, hailed as the “mater et caput omnium ecclesiarum,” the Mother and head of all churches throughout the world. Hearing the First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm, the Holy Spirit led me to reflect.

With no intention to preach, I just want to share the following:

Vidi aquam... Et omnes ad quos pervenit aqua ista, salvi facti sunt

The First Reading was taken from the prophecy of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12). The popular Easter Gregorian Chant “Vidi Aquam” was also derived from this prophecy. There, Ezekiel prophesied of water overflowing from the Temple, at lahat nang inabot ng tubig ay naligtas!

With a heavy heart, it reminded me of how flood waters rage. They destroyed homes, livelihoods, and claimed lives in our country. Here, on the otherhand, the Scriptures tell about another type of water that overflows from the presence of God. This water brings about healing and salvation. That water is no other than Christ–the Life-giving Water himself.

Don't get me wrong, I do not want to merely spiritualize what is currently happening in our country. But, I believe it’s important to remind each other to stay rooted in faith. We should refrain from engaging in meaningless fights in social media over politics, beliefs, preferences, ideologies, etc.

God is our refuge

This brings us to my second point. The Psalm of the day was Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9:

God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken
and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea...

The LORD of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob...

Be still and know I am God.

Comforting words in times of calamity and gentle reminder to stay rooted in Christ’s love “which surpasses all human understanding”.

Wala lang, sharing lang. Hope hindi siya preachy. Kasi wala akong faculty at moral ascendancy to do it. Just sharing how sharp God’s Word is. It pierces directly to the heart beyond our control.

A call for (genuine) unity

Let’s continue to be sensitive to what is going on around us. Let us listen more and speak less. Let us listen to what nature tells us. We should also listen to what our kababayans say.

Siguro panahon na para isantabi natin ang regional/ethnic, political, and religious differences natin. Maging sensitive tayo sa pangangailangan ng mga bata (sila ang future natin). Let’s also be sensitive to the voice of God within us in our conscience. This way, we can discern and decide on what truly matters in life.

The post The Power of Prayer in Times of Crisis appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.