BELIEVING AND WORKING!
Over
the past years, we Filipinos have been entertained (or saddened, as the
case may be) by a series of Senate and Congressional investigations.
There is no doubt about it. We believe in justice. We take pains in
knowing the truth, and we have always bought that line that says all of
it is done “in aid of legislation.”
In
the years I have been a priest, I have attended quite a number of
international meetings and conventions. We Filipinos shine when it comes
to conventions abroad. We end up becoming reporters, secretaries, and
we do have a reputation for being good speakers. We believe in the power
of words to convince, cajole and otherwise co-opt initially doubting
Thomases to our side.
But
there is a flip side to this seemingly positive image. Word soon
spreads around that we may be sorely wanting when it comes to walking
the talk. While we believe in justice, we may not be all that committed
to working for it. The piling number of futile investigations seems to
be eloquent testimony to this.
The
question of the disciples is our question too: “What can we do to
accomplish the works of God?” The Lord’s answer, “Believe in the one he
sent,” seems to point out the connection between believing and working.
Ironically, even Forrest Gump understood this. Told by his mother
repeatedly, “Stupid is as stupid does,” he learned his lessons for life.
He remembered and did what he believed in, with passion and panache,
even if that meant running like he had never run before in his life.
We
all need to do more than simply believe. We need to live what we
believe. We need to learn that it takes more than just political
grandstanding to ferret out the truth and do justice. We need to tell
the world that we mean what we say, and not just say what we mean. For
doing God’s works and believing are part of one and the same package. Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What Christian values do you believe in? Do you live them as well?
Lord Jesus, help me to live out what I believe in.
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