The beggar by the temple gate called 'Beautiful' came for a
surprise that fateful day. As he extended his hands for alms, the apostles
Peter and John told him - in the name of Jesus - to rise up and walk (Acts
3:6).
Poverty has a crippling effect on us as individuals, as a
community, as a nation, as a world. Remember those times when the Philippines was
called “the sick man of Asia”? Remember too those moments when we have to give
up something because we wanted a loved one to finish his/her studies?
Sacred Scriptures is also full of stories and lessons on
poverty and the call to alleviate those who suffer from it. One of these stories is about the
sore-covered Lazarus and the uncaring rich man and how their fates changed in
the after-life (Luke 16:19-31). Another
story that comes to mind is when Jesus felt pity on the poor who were listening
to His preaching all day and told His disciples "to give them something to
eat" (cf. Mark 6:37). Ultimately,
Jesus, in the words of St Paul "emptied himself, taking the form of a
slave, coming in human likeness; and found in human appearance, he humbled
himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross"
(Philippians 2:7-8).
We are now in Holy Week. Before us is the Crucified Jesus,
the epitome of poverty, whose thoughts are still for the good of His flock, especially
the poor! Here in anluwage.com, we offer
you the “The Seven Last Words”, an online devotion we have been holding since
we started the web in 2005. I am
grateful to those who have contributed to this devotion especially to our
reflection writers representing the various sectors and ministries serving the
poor. There are also other sections in
the web such as God-speak which serves as a good spiritual companion this Holy
Week. Join us then, be enriched, and share that enrichment with others
especially those in need. Thank you.
A blessed Holy Week to all!
Vladimir V Reyes
President
Tanghalang Anluwage, Inc
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