Immersed in this world

By now, everyone on the planet knows how Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda in the Philippines) wreaked catastrophic destruction when it made landfall November 7, affecting multiple cities in the Philippines, with thousands dead and many more missing or displaced. Other countries affected were Micronesia, Palau, Taiwan, China and Vietnam, but nowhere near the level of damage suffered by Tacloban City in the Philippines.

As unscathed onlookers, our response is not only a measure of our humanity, but an indictment of our faith. If we have a strong and lively faith, then we will gather our resources and reach out to our brothers and sisters who were affected with support and comfort, to help them rebuild their lives and make it even better than it was before.

 

In a show of solidarity, nations have all swung into action, galvanizing forces to bring aid to the disaster-struck areas. We thus have ample opportunity to join in these national and communal  efforts by participating in whatever way we can. More so if we are believers or followers of Christ. We must do as He did, bringing comfort to those who most need it. In fact, to play the Good Samaritan is a call that each one of us has within our hearts.

 

Blessed John Paul II said:

 

We live in history, side by side with our peers, sharing their worries and hope. We cannot escape into another dimension, ignoring the tragedies of our era, closing our eyes and hearts to the anguish that pervades life. On the contrary we are immersed in this world every day, ready to hasten to wherever there is a brother or sister In need of help, a tear to be dried, a request for help to be answered.

 

While I'd like to think that I do my part in proclaiming "the good news to the poor", it is at times like these that I am reminded I can always do more. I am glad I overcame my initial reticence to go reverse carolling* next month in the Philippines for I have been travelling quite a bit this year and another trip did not seem a prudent choice in any way.  

 

As it turns out, this round of reverse carolling will involve us visiting not just homes in Montalban and Tagaytay, but in Bohol where an October earthquake and the recent super typhoon have spelt disaster for inhabitants.

 

Although I look forward to reaching out to those whose homes were destroyed, charitable efforts should not restricted to what one reads in the headlines but should be a continual crusade to help end poverty, hunger and injustice. The cries of our brothers and sisters, at home and abroad, should not be ignored.

 

Hear and respond. Every day.

* Reverse carolling is an outreach to visit homes of disadvantaged families to bring some Christmas cheer into their lives by connecting with family members, singing carols to them and leaving them with a Christmas hamper filled with food to ensure they have something festive to eat over the Nativity season.

Read more about the preparations on: https://plus.google.com/112131744968067307130/posts.