Time has really changed. In the olden days, people took time to pause for a while to meditate and ponder on the passion of Christ during Lenten season. Some even spent time in mystical mountains or in some secluded place to commune with God and to look deeply into their soul. Today is so different. The people especially the so-called “Gen Z” feel so entitled and materialistic losing sight of the sweat and tears of those working so hard to give hem a better future.
If you will notice, nowhere today shall we find young people convening to seriously discuss and put into practice the good values taught to the “baby boomers” of yesteryears – patriotism, loyalty, kindness, empathy and respect. Just recently, one over-eager follower of a certain presidential candidate, a young woman, threw a bunch of flyers to presidentiable Bongbong Marcos (BBM) during one of his caravans. It was a very unchristian act to think that there was no provocation on the latter’s part. Some would shout “Magnanakaw! Mamamatay-tao!” as if they were present when these happened.
To all the invectives, curses and false accusations hurled against BBM, the man remained silent and I surmise his heart was saying “forgive them Lord for they do not know what they do.” Watching him braving the heat of the sun while campaigning amidst criticisms and condemnation from his critics reminds me of the pain and agony of Christ as he carried his cross to Calvary – people spitting on him, mocking him, hitting him with latigo. At the end of the day, he emerged as the victor showing all of mankind that death has no power over him.
BBM as attested to by his family and friends is a good person. The bad narratives about his family were one-sided stories concocted and written by their political opponents as articulated by the likes of Rita Gadi, Rigoberto Tiglao, Teddy Boy Locsin and others. Indeed, in any conflict the winners write the story, hence we must be reminded that there are always three sides to a controversy – your side, the other fellow’s side and the right side. What if what had been written are wrong?
I pity BBM because he has to take all the punches, all the curses and badmouthing from his political rivals and their minions but God is good. I believe that what he is going through is only a share of the Cross of Christ. He is leading in all the surveys and in God’s perfect time, he will receive his reward. Even the shiniest gold passed through the fire. As I can see it, he is being molded by the Universe into someone who will be able to hurdle all the difficulties attached to the Presidency.
Winston Churchill said that “when you are going through hell, just keep going”. Well said, because why will you stop in hell? You just have to keep going until you reach your perfect destination. This saying applies to every one of us. Bryan McGill explained that “Good people go through terrible things but wise people know when and how to let it go”.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
