This is the seventh time that I shall be conveying my Christmas message to the whole academic community, and there seems to be always a persistent nuisance that attempts to destroy the mood of this joyous season. This persistent intruder is called crisis. Before we dare to point our finger to the so-called culprits, let us consider first how many fingers would point to ourselves. Let us rather use those fingers to strike our breast and acknowledge that we are partly responsible for the mess we are experiencing in our country.
For several times we have exalted the propensity of Filipinos to face any crisis that comes with resilience and hope. This seems to be possible because the Filipino has also the penchant to take misfortunes with humor. In fact, he could make jokes out of disasters or calamities that beset our country. Perhaps it is a healthy sign if the humor emanates from the ridiculous perception of the situation that comes about only because of human follies and foibles. But what if that resilience comes from helpless surrender to adversities or numbing indifference to the relentless gloom that casts our nation to doom. What if the resilience comes from defensive memory lapses to shield him from further experiencing the pains brought about by seemingly invincible tragedies that besiege his life and his nation? I am not sure now if the resilience really comes from the strength of character of the Filipino or from its weakness.
I also have stressed several times that the Filipinos are, as a whole, a nation of hope. As a predominantly Christian nation, it would be difficult not to presume this fact. According to a great writer, “hope springs eternal.” Hope is the rainbow at the end of the incessant gloom brought about by almost endless rains and deluge. Hope is the streak of light after a long, stretched dark tunnel of our lives. Hope, in fact, pervades the atmosphere of Christmas, since the birth was the answer to the hopeful of God’s people. Hope dwells more abundantly among the little and the insignificant ones. That is why the angel brought the news first to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord.” Christ is the light that totally dispels the darkness that still lingers with hope. In our life, it is the flickering hope that enables us to walk through the darkness of life until we see the very source of light, that is, Christ himself.
For us, Filipinos, hope is what we cling to during difficult and trying times. But what hope is it that we really nurture in our hearts? Is it an authentic one or simply a lame excuse for a helpless surrender to an indomitable evil? Surely, authentic hope does not render us passive victims to seemingly unassailable malady that causes useless suffering. Hope stirs us to passion and action. It even makes “waiting” an active pursuit for the object of hope which is the fulfillment of God’s will for our lives. As beautifully expressed by the Dominican Fathers during their gathering in Krakow: “Hope tells us that God will work His will. Hope has two lovely daughters: anger and courage. Anger, so that what must not be, will not be; courage, so that what must be, will be.” Several times we have raised our fists and our voices against the social maladies particularly corruption and greed in our country. But have we really come to the fit of our righteous anger so as to disallow and prevent the evil in our midst? Even if we do so, have we really mustered enough courage so as to allow the good, the just and the righteous to reign among us? Anger and courage bring forth meaning and strength to hope.
Despite these troubling events, there is still something admirable among us Filipinos, and that is, our joyous disposition. And we seek the sources of joy even in little and superficial matters. That is why we like fiestas and celebrations. Thank God there is Christmas to remind us that no matter what, God loves us and will not abandon us despite the seemingly unconquerable crisis. Look at what happened to typhoon Yoyong. It ran away like a battered enemy, failing to cause the expected havoc. Why? Because of the prayer brigade that resonated from Batanes to Sulu. Have you heard the testimony of those survivors who have been entombed for ten days under the debris of the collapsed building? They only relied on two things for survival: drips of water and bounty of prayers. Prayers despite the want could be a source of joy. It is joy that lightens our hearts and makes them more diffusive for others who are in need. We are yet mourning for the hundreds of poor people who lost their lives because of the fury of Winnie and the greed of men. But by God’s providence the sad event can still be our joy if we are prompt in responding to their cries for help. We deliberately make this Paskuhan modest and simple, without the usual fireworks, so that we can extend greater support for the people ravaged by the recent typhoons. Let us make this Christmas a season of joy particularly for our suffering brothers and sisters, by our generous sharing. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
