His death is a cause for sorrow and anxiety. Sorrow, because the Pope was a well-loved and revered world leader and the shepherd of the Catholic faithful. Anxiety, because his loss may set back his interfaith initiatives with other religious groups.
But, as so beautifully stated by one of the priests who was interviewed on CNN, the Pope’s passing is also a cause for great joy for persons of faith because it would only mean that the Pope would finally be united with our Father in heaven.
It is an event that the Pope himself was undoubtedly prepared for, and most likely even looking forward to, since man’s true purpose is to live with God forever — the God who loves us and gave us life!
One cannot help but compare the Pope’s situation with that of Terri Schiavo, who finally passed away last Thursday after her feeding tube was pulled out two weeks ago pursuant to a court order. In Terri Schiavo’s case, her husband insisted that he was only carrying out her wishes, i.e., that she allegedly did not want to be kept alive by artificial means.
Contrast this with the Pope, who, after being told of the seriousness of his condition, asked one of his aides to read to him the Bible passages on Christ’s burial.
The lesson here for all of us is submitting to God’s will and trusting that He truly knows what is best for us, rather than second-guessing Him and trying to play God.
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A remarkable lady celebrates her 58th birthday tomorrow. No lavish celebration. Just work.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo celebrates her birthday amid challenges and opportunities that test her mettle as a global and national leader.
The President, contrary to the expectations of her critics, has reacted graciously, to the results of recent surveys that show a decline in her popularity. Her reaction clearly shows that the President has no other agenda except to lead this nation out of a cyclic debt trap that diminishes the capacity of government to serve our people.
The administration’s focused and clearly defined fiscal roadmap to fight poverty has resulted in a searing public debate about our fiscal problems. Issues such as taxes and credit ratings are now topics discussed across the dinner table. Under her watch, solving our budget deficit has become a national preoccupation.
We are glad that the three-day special session was able to remove major obstacles to the imminent passage of the VAT bill – the lynchpin of our economic development. Its passage by the Senate is expected by Senate President Franklin Drilon to take place by mid-April.
The President has declared year 2005 as the year of urgent change and fervent hope. Change, like hope, must from deep within our hearts. The rest of the year will not be easy – what with the persistent threat of terrorism and the runaway prices of oil.
Still, hope comes from knowing that we have elected a competent, hard-working president who knows what needs to be done and has the political will to do it.
Happy birthday, Madam President!
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The National Security Cabinet Group, which handles security and political concerns, reported last week on crime, fuel prices, peace talks and terrorist extremism to the full National Security Council. DILG Secretary Angie Reyes noted gains in anti-crime efforts, but called for more resources and policy changes to reduce crowding and improve security in jails. DoE Secretary Popo Lotilla and DoTC Secretary Larry Mendoza mapped out measures to cope with rising oil prices, including discounts and other assistance to public transport. The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Ging Deles and Chief Peace Negotiator (with the MILF) Yong Afable presented ancestral domain issues now central to MILF peace talks.
Cabinet Secretary Ric Saludo reports that this week, the National Anti-Provery Council and the NAPC Cabinet group, (led by Secretary Mely Nicolas), which handles social issues, will review programs to fight the culture of corruption.
Note: Past articles may be viewed at www.news.ops.gov.ph/palace _bunye.htm
