"...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." - Matthew 25:35-36
Recently, I've been blessed to visit two institutions for the first time: Kanlungan ni Maria (a home for the aged in Antipolo City) and Molave Youth Hall (a "therapeutic center" for youth/minor offenders in QC).
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Kanlungan ni Maria takes care of 21 abandoned lolo's and lola's while Molave houses around 230 minors who were charged or in the process of being charge of crimes (such as robbery, theft, frustrated murder, rape, public scandal, etc.)
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The first question that came to my mind is why is this happening to our "kababayans"? Who in their right mind would neglect and leave alone a lolo or a lola? Why kids at their young age would commit such crimes?
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One reason I can think of is POVERTY. Maybe lolo's or lola's family cannot support him/her anymore so they have to let them go. Maybe our youth offenders come from poor families as well and they have to make ends meet by stealing and robbing other people instead...
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Another cause maybe is FAMILY. Maybe our family foundation is getting weak so that it's okay to let go of our grandparents and it's okay for our kids to roam around the streets and do whatever they want without proper guidance.
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Maybe its also a question of FAITH. Maybe since we are poor that we feel that we are neglected by God. We have our own free will and we choose to do what is "practical" in order to survive instead doing what is "moral and right".
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In a recent Advent recollection, the priest said that we must be ready to feel the "tsunami of faithlessness"....I think this is also one cause why these things are happening to us...
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But there is always a ray of light....a goodness in every heart....such as the tireless men and women who provides care to our lolo's and lola's...the social workers and staff who dedicated themselves in guiding and counseling our youth offenders...
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But we need to do more...a question to ask ourselves is NOT WHETHER TO BUY THE NEW iPHONE 4S =)...but more importantly, what can we do more to alleviate POVERTY, promote strong FAMILY values and stress the importance of keeping and living the FAITH...
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Washington SyCip (founder of SGV) said he admires someone if he has done something to reduce POVERTY....
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Ma. Lourdes Carandang (well-known clinical psychologist) mentioned that PARENTING plays a most critical role in nation building...
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Lastly, Jesus said " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
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Let us join the fight....starting NOW...in our own little way....whatever we can....
To God be the glory and have a blessed Christmas everyone!
Hope this helps.
Ge
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