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Feast of the Annunciation: ‘Be it done to me according to your word’
TODAY’s feast of the Annunciation has a unique place in the cycle of Church celebrations. On one hand, it is directly connected with the feast of the Nativity as it is the announcement to Mary of God’s incarnation through her willing cooperation. On the other hand, this feast almost always occurs during the Lenten season, a time of commemoration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thus, the Annunciation touches both the good news that God has become one like us so that we might become as God is, and the greater news that God, in the person of Jesus, has "paid the price" for achieving this end. And as we celebrate the mystery of God’s divine plan, who in Jesus, took our mortal flesh, we likewise gather in thanksgiving to reflect on the deeper meaning of what was announced by the archangel Gabriel to Mary.
Speaking Out
A RECENT interview of President Arroyo by Bloomberg provides great insight into the strides she has made in various areas, particularly our economy. In the interview, the President acknowledged the inspiration she derives from former British Prime Minister and economic reformer, Margaret Thatcher, whom she admires, among others, for her "fasten-your-seatbelts-and-never-mind-the-airpockets" attitude. It is this outlook that has allowed the President to focus less on popularity ratings than on the more important work at hand.
Women with Disabilities Day
LEADERS of various nations and inter-governmental agencies have taken cognizance of the rights of women with disabilities, in accordance with international instruments such as the Comprehensive and Integral Convention on the Production and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free, and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination of Women. These international covenants emphasize the need for independent states to give greater attention to the rights of women, in general, and women with disabilities, in particular, to participate in society and share in the benefits of development and progress.
Business Beat
THE recent SWS surveys on hunger and poverty have shown the depths of the challenges that face the country despite the good economic statistics. In both the rural and urban areas, the incidence of hunger and poverty abounds. The problems can not be solved by providing food to the hungry and money to the poor in the next six months. This subsidized or "dole-out" approach will be difficult to sustain. It will eventually take its toll in the government’s fiscal position and could lead to a deterioration of the trust and confidence of market players in the country. The result will be less favorable economic statistics and still continuing poverty and hunger. The danger of the recent statement "It’s payback time to the Filipino people" after the signing of the 2007 budget is that the government will be tempted to flood the country with cheap imports, shower the slum areas with food packages and goodies and use the total government machinery to provide loans to micro enterprises and small and medium firms. With elections just around the corner, it will be a temptation difficult to resist.
National Day of Bangladesh
THE People’s Republic of Bangladesh celebrates its National Day today. Bangladesh and the Philippines have had a very deep-rooted friendly relation since the birth of Bangladesh. The Philippines supported the liberation of Bangladesh and recognized it on February 24, 1972. The Philippine ambassador to the United Nations spoke in favor of the nation during its liberation struggle and also during Bangladesh’s admission to the United Nations in 1974. At the beginning of diplomatic relations, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Indonesia and Thailand was concurrently accredited to the Philippines.
Second Thoughts
BANGKOK – Foreigners dependent on the English-language press doubtless miss much of the subtle nuances of Thai politics. But enough information emerges from the media coverage to prompt comparisons with the play of politics in one’s own country.
Announcement of the birth of Jesus
Luke 1:26-38
Get up
THERE are many ways to look at our situation today. One way is to be impatient: In the process, we can lose hope and reach the point where the only thing to do is to pack up and leave in search of a better life elsewhere. Another way is to keep things in perspective: To consider that it has taken other countries many decades, centuries even, to reach the level of development they are enjoying, and we have not had enough time just yet.
Namfrel again? Church steps in
SOMEHOW the Comelec’s accreditation of the Namfrel as its quick count arm surprises no one.
The good news
The only power poor people have is their hunger. – Ben Okri (Nigerian novelist)
GMA, millions miss meals; that’s big trouble
VOTE for Manny Villar, the first market vendor destined to become President. Nanay Curing foresaw it coming.
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