Diminished

“We are diminished more than any other people’s, and we are brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins.” Daniel 3:37

When I read this description of Jerusalem during the time of the Jewish exile, I felt that Daniel was writing about the Philippines. King Nebuchadnezzar took many Jews to Babylon as captives, and the treasure of their temple was seized. Just a couple of years ago, the Philippines was hailed by the World Bank and other international institutions as the rising tiger of Asia, no longer the sick man of Asia. Motoo Konishi, the World Bank country director of the Philippines said, “The fight against corruption is being waged with determination and it is paying off. We welcome the scaling up of expenditures of health, education and social protection. We are seeing infrastructure spending going up, and being more strategic and efficient.” We were “Asia’s bright spot”. 

We cannot say that any longer. We are more of a dark spot with our diminished image with international rights organizations, including the UN. We are one of the ‘worst offenders’ in terms of graft and corruption and press freedom in the Asia Pacific region. 

We can pray with Azariah, the companion of Daniel while they were held captive in Babylon. “Do not take your mercy from us, O Lord! We are reduced , O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins....With contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received as though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks. Let our sacrifice be in Your presence today as we follow You unreservedly; for those who trust in You cannot be put to shame. And now we follow You with our whole heart, we fear You and we pray to You. Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in Your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by Your wonders, and bring glory to Your name, O Lord.” 

Let us claim this prayer for our own.