But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
First, it was Burma. A devastating hurricane may have killed about 100,000 people and thousands injured. The images we have been shown are of death and disease and people wanting more help. Then, in China, a strong earthquake destroyed about 500,000 homes and killed another 100,000 people including children in a school. As with any natural disaster, a lot of people have lost everything they had, including their families. Children have also been separated from their families.
In the Philippines, tragedy struck when nine bank employees were shot to death, most of them in the head, in a robbery that happened in Laguna, south of Manila. In terms of number of victims, it was nothing compared to those in China and Burma. But in terms of significance, it is of greater tragedy than the two combined. Why? Because, the Laguna massacre could have been avoided. Because the Laguna tragedy could have never happened. What happened in China and Burma is an “act of God” but what happened in Laguna is because of man’s selfish ambition and demonic act.
These murderers may have reason for robbing the bank. But they would never have enough reason why they should kill. For no matter what reason you may have, killing another person is outright unspiritual and irrational. There is no wisdom in killing. There is no peace in taking others lives.
Wisdom and peace always go together, for the wisdom of God always creates right relationship since God Himself is a triune communion of holy love. Let us perfect our lives by seeking the wisdom and peace coming from God. It is heavenly, spiritual and God-centered. “And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Almighty Father, we pray that inner peace will be found by all individuals so that the peace we dream of, we speak of and pray for will have a chance. As in times past, we will work together to recover from our shared national tragedy. We pray together for those who have lost loved ones. We seek Your wisdom so we may understand everything. Amen+
The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment