Teacher's teacher

Cynicism has become a common trait of modern man. Am sure the cynics who are watching the on-going procession today, January 9, (Saturday) of 2.4 - 3 million Filipinos, from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo are wondering why there are so many who join it. This is not to say that even those who aren't cynics do not have the same reaction. So we ask: why are their devotees who go to such length whether for the Black Nazarene or another feast like Easter?

One explanation: Believers express their faith not only through word but through action as well especially when the feast is being celebrated. When Pope Paul VI came to the Philippines in the '70's, we, the catechists, began our vigil for the Pope's visit at dawn. When the Vicar of Christ was finally in front of us - of me - I cried and cried with joy. My feeling was that Jesus appeared before me. This leads us to the next point.

Second explanation: Filipinos, once they put their heart, are willing to die for the cause. They sometimes forget the danger that may arise. In this procession, a number got hurt, 400 plus have been hospitalized. So far, two died. Such fervor perhaps can be redirected for something more productive.

Third explanation: Today is only one day so I join some analysts who acknowledge the beautiful expression of one's faith but after the procession, what is next? Will the believers go back to their usual routine? Is their devotion part of their daily means of livelihood? If it is, then one's devotion to the Black Nazarene is indeed faith in action.

Let us not forget that God is not only felt during procession but in the most ordinary experience of life. The Statue of the Black Nazarene is a statue but the faith of the devotee goes beyond the statue and experiences the symbol who is Jesus, the Nazarene. We have only to look around to see the faces of the members of our family. Do you take care of their needs if you are a parent? If you do, it is as though you have your own procession too which lasts a lifetime.

Sometimes we tell God how unfair He can be. Here is a girl, who is beautiful, graduate of a university in France, a model, an actress, the daughter of Sharon Cuneta. How can she have so much while many can hardly go to school, does not have a job if by chance she finished a course because she has no connection . . .? Then we hear and see that this lady gifted with so much wants to pay forward by extending her commitment as United Nation's World Food Programme national ambassador against hunger. Good decision KC. . .

With very few role models our young people can look up to, we are happy to note KC Concepcion Cuneta Pangilinan is doing her share. It is worth noting that we are in fact doing our share too, though not as publicized as KC's is. If you are a volunteer, keep up the good work.

Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year, is a filipino, who tells us candidly he did not begin the "push cart school" but that he had good mentors who helped him follow the better path and so he volunteered his time to continue the "push cart" school while being aided to finish his education in Cavite State University. In the acceptance speech of Efren during the Award ceremony for the ten heroes, he encouraged us to "unleash the hero within us" for each of us is a hero and together we can become the change.

To my students in Peace Education and NSTP 2 (Community Immersion) you are now given the opportunities to "unleash" the hero that each of you truly is. Seize the Day!!!

Johnson products are noted for its wholesome ads: mother-child photo with the mom putting Johnson powder all over the baby's body as manifestation of tender loving care; family using Johnson products: shampoo, lotion,cotton and many more. Yet, the heir of Johnson & Johnson, Casey Johnson, the lady who has everything, dies at 30. While we do not have the power to judge Casey, we are left wondering why she had a history of drug problems and why even her relationship was that of another woman. . .

This is another human story which tells us very vividly that our aspirations are basically the same. One can be rich but the desire for belongingness and love are the same with someone who is financially challenged. Wealth or fame does not determine our happiness. Everything we possess should only be used as means never ends.

Thus, Casey may have everything financially speaking but perhaps she did not have the emotional and pychological support that come only with families who give quality time to family gathering and one-on-one follow-up. Just the same, Casey is a fellow pilgrim who needs our prayer and plea for her eternal repose with her God.