HOPE for a better PHILIPPINES

Gone were the days that the Bishop of Rome visited Philippines. It is during the World Youth Day in 1995 the last time when the country was visited by a Pope. We are indeed lucky enough that Pope Francis will be here in the country. Yes, the Filipinos are still into trauma cause by the calamities that hit our country, yet we are also filled with joy as we started another year of our journey with the Lord inasmuch as there is a blessing coming from God - Pope Francis.

The message in the Pope’s coming is hidden in his life as a (in his words) servant of the servants of God – mercy and compassion. These two words are quietly simple. Indeed, we always hear these in our regular conversations. But if these simple words will be put into action, then we can find its deepest meaning. Furthermore, these words are the summary of the Popes message to the Philippines in his coming. His visitation would be a true manifestation that "the church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encourage to live the good life of the Gospel." (Evangelii Gaudium 114)

Almost everyone would say that Francis is a peoples Pope. He goes out in his comfort zone in order to reach out the least, lost, last in the society (poor people). The two virtues (mercy and compassion) speak about the life and leadership of Pope Francis. The life of Pope Francis reminds us the love of God to us. This is concretely showed when he gave his only Son for our sake. Jesus humbles himself; crucified on the cross because of his great mercy and compassion to his people. Truly enough, the Pope’s visit is a reminder of us Filipinos that even if we are in the midst of struggles; we should learn to be merciful and compassionate to our brothers and sisters. No one is exempted of this for all of us have hearts. There is no heart which cannot felt mercy and compassion. All of us are invited to be compassionate to others. Furthermore, it is hard for us to make this possible without the grace of God. Let us continue to ask the Lord for a kindhearted heart in order to imitate the works of our beloved Pope.

What would be the meaning of the Pope’s visitation if after all, nothing would be changed? What would be the Philippines after Pope Francis visitation? These questions struck to my mind since human as we are, we are surrounded by chances to do bad things. I hope and pray to God that the Pope’s visitation can change and move the hearts of the people in order to build a better Philippines.