Easter Faith

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” John 6:9

I am sure many of us are praying for a miracle. I certainly am, and I am pestering God night and day for a miracle for my brother to get healed, and for a change for good in our country. Sometimes we do not see, even if God is already giving us a miracle. For my brother, many doctors have already told him, “We don’t know why you are still alive.” When there is life, there is hope, while he is trying another protocol.

For our country, I am constantly amazed at the unfolding signs around us. It took one woman to say yes to God’s call after she prayed and discerned. I am sure it was an extremely difficult decision. But I think she had God’s promise that if she made a stand, others would stand with her. And true enough, many are making a stand, many are contributing with zeal and passion whatever they can to what has become a peoples’ campaign. 

Like the little boy with five barley loaves and two fish, we give what we have into the Lord’s hand for His blessing. And lo and behold, it multiplies! So many volunteers preparing lugawans in street corners, baking pink bread to give away, putting stickers on water bottles and pink biscuit packs to hand out to riders. We buy collaterals with our own money, bimpos for tricycle drivers, aprons for market vendors, arm sleeves for riders, tarps, caps and tshirts and of course fans and leaflets to give out during house to house campaigns and walking rallies. In my parish, they have story telling activities for children and their parents, where they give out prizes for the correct answers to questions. They have dancing contests as well. So much inventiveness in this crusade. 

How I marvel at the inspiration and creativity that has been unleashed in the recent few months. It’s like a renaissance of the arts! Poems, paintings, sculptures, murals, graphic design elements generously given free to use, books, and songs! So many beautiful songs! And wonderful artists collaborating and sharing their gifts so willingly without asking for anything in return. Even if I’m not really into rock bands and singers, I’m delighted that there’s a growing interest in OPM. And how about those rallies which start out by a call for donations because there’s no political machinery to set it up? 

We see a glimpse of how beautiful our country can be when we are generous, and kind, and willing to part with our time, talent and treasure because we love our country and have hope for the future. Father, how good You are to us! Thank You for the “Easter faith” You put in our hearts to see the work You are doing in our midst.