Revive Us!

“Revive us so we can call on Your name once more." Psalm 80:18

Yesterday my sister Peggy, and her husband Charlie, in behalf of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon, along with the Restorative Justice Ministry, distributed Christmas gift bags to the inmates of QC Jail. It was a very happy occasion, made more joyous because of the many generous brothers and sisters who donated money, sardines, and shorts for the 300 students of the RJM.  Then there were t-shirts enough for all 3,000 inmates, given by batches to the mayores to distribute. The prisoners arranged a program, singing songs and performing a rap song composed for the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community (The Joy of the Lord). The basketball court was crowded with people as they gave out the gift bags, slippers and briefs to the grateful men. 

After the visit, my sister said she felt like “tinapa”, or smoked fish, as the air had been full of smoke. She felt hot and grimy, and would have welcomed a cool, refreshing bath. Imagine how the inmates feel, cooped up in a space made for 800 people! Imagine how difficult it would be to line up and bathe in bathrooms with doors removed because a man had committed suicide inside a cubicle! 

Spiritually we can accumulate filth too. If only we could physically feel the dirt that piles up in our hearts when we are envious, impatient, unloving, stingy, angry, uncharitable or merciless. If only we couldn't sleep at night when we have anything in our spirit that does not please our Heavenly Father! 

Lord, this Advent, may we look deep within our hearts and minds and see ourselves as You see us. It may dismay and disgust us, but only You Lord, can refresh us, revive us, make us new creatures with a new heart! Nothing is impossible with You!