Magandang Umaga

Magandang umaga.

Bagyo. Kalamidad. Trahedya….

Magandang umaga. Good morning.

Mga kapatid, maganda nga ba ang umaga?

Were the opening statements of Rev. Fr. Alex Balatbat in one of his homilies.

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NDCC reported that the number of fatalities rose to 246; number of missing persons had increased to 38; and damage reaches almost P5B. Videos, photos and testimonials of Ondoy’s victims are certainly heartbreaking. In these times of crisis, can we still greet each morning with “Magandang umaga?”

Yesterday, I had a post entitled “State of Calamity.” It was followed by a short message: Both heart and mind. (sad face). I didn’t have a great morning. Worse, the bad feeling didn’t end there. The whole day, my spirit was so down and restless. When I became aware of Ondoy’s cruelty to some areas, I felt I have no reason to whine. I should be very thankful that even though we also experienced flood, the damage is so little compare to those living in other parts of the metro and nearby provinces. The fact that my family and I are fine and safe is enough reason to be grateful. But the bad feeling yesterday was uncontrollable. “Magandang umaga” were difficult words to say. I guess, Ondoy’s victims would agree.

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I’m sure a lot of us have heard stories about foreigners who get so amazed by us, Filipino people, because even in the midst of tragedy we can still strike a smile. While in very prosperous countries, there are news about multi-millionaires who committed suicide because of anxieties; problems they couldn’t contain. I can imagine these foreign people screaming “Something’s wrong with Filipino people!”

Pilipinos are known for being happy people. In devastating moments like this, a smile does not only signigfies joy, it is also a symbol of hope. A hope rooted in our Christian faith. For the Bible says:

I will never leave you nor forsake you. - Hebrews 13:5

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. - Psalms 31:24

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 23:18

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death
the righteous have a refuge. – Proverbs 14:32

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

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Is there a joy in suffering? God did not come to take away suffering. He came to feel the suffering. That' why even in suffering Jesus is with us. When you embrace suffering, you embrace Christ. Even in suffering I find joy; I experience God. - Rev. Fr. Alex Balatbat

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There maybe times that our mornings would appear so dim; that even though the sun is so high we cannot see the light because our eyes are blinded with problems and difficulties; our mind is constantly wandering; and our heart is deeply wounded. We should all remember that there is God who will forever be truthful to his promise. He is the reason why we should greet each morning with “Magandang Umaga.”

Let me end this post with a video of the song I See You Lord by Aiza Seguerra.

Mga Kapatid, Magandang Umaga! :)

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Photo courtesy of Flickr (melaniemorgyn) and video from mindslife