What breaks our hearts are the faces of the wounded, the children, the mothers who are shown running and looking for their other loved ones. Since Haiti is considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, we, from the Philippines, know too well what happens when not much is expected from the government but from generous people who come to their aid.
The next news that tugs our heart is the slow recovery of the dead bodies that have been trapped in MV Catalena, the boat that sank last December. There were 5 bodies that were recovered.
What breaks our hearts are the hidden faces of the families who must still be painfully waiting for the bodies of their loved ones to be found. This is complicated by the fact that the bodies will have to undergo forensic investigation to find out the scientific data who the dead bodies are.
Then there is the second hearing of the Ampatuan murder case. While Mayor Unsay Ampatuan gives attention to the pain caused by the handcuffs; the families of the victims hold their breaths as the details are now said in court. Already, the narration of the prosecution's witness is denied by the defense as can be expected. At least, the case has taken off. In the meantime, demonstrators demand that the hearing be seen on tv because 57 families and the whole country hope to hear firsthand what is being said.
What breaks our hearts are the tensions and anxieties of many parties which want justice given sooner than later. When there is an attempt from the lawyers to disprove what has been said by the witness because he seemed sure that his clients are not guilty,our hearts bleed. When those who lost their wife, husband, children, friend, sit in court believing that when everything is done, justice will be theirs.
We pray less of news that breaks our hearts and have more of news that makes the world more the creation the Maker has envisioned it to be and become.
This week (November 8-15,2009) is a most momentous week.Today, November 12-Fr. Sinnott was released by his captors. It is so painful to listen to Father. He slept in a hammock for a month according to him so for someone of his age, it must have been physically uncomfortable. He was not able to take his medicine for ten days so only God knows what its after effects on his health would be. To Father Sinnott: God has kept you in his care and am sure you will find in your heart to forgive the hostage- takers.
Today also, Hillary Clinton visits the Philippines. Others say it is one reason why Fr. Sinnott was released. Never mind if we will never know if it is so or not. Things happen for a reason. In the meantime, Clinton's presence is most welcome notwithstanding the protests. Let us wait how her visit to Zamboanga, Mindanao will fair. So what is your take on the Visiting Forces Agreement? This is one issue that has many facets. Teachers usually just allow the students to come up with his/her own reflection and somehow offer a more proactive course of action.
This coming Sunday, November 15 in the Philippines . . . Filipinos will be huddled together in a room-sala, bedroom, restaurant, theatre, classroom, carenderia and all other nooks - with the sole objective: to watch Pacquiao fight. Perhaps it is the Filipino in me that is coloring my forecast but in my gut, am sure Pacquiao will win. Let us accompany our intense wish for Pacquiao's triumph with prayers. Manny, our prayers are with you.
