Ilonggos ‘remember’ God during quake
“Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.” –Brennan Manning
After a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Iloilo last Monday morning, social media was immediately flooded with prayers. “Lord, protect us from the earthquake,” “My God, there’s another one – we need your protection, oh God, Almighty,” “Let us pray for our safety the earth is shaking,” etc.; there were also those seeking out loved ones via messenger – “Are you safe there?,” “I hope you are all OK,” “There’s an earthquake here, very strong,” “Please pray for us,” “We will pray for your safety – just pray,” etc.
“Prayer,” “Lord,” “God,” “Pray for us,” “Protect us,” and “Save us” were the hottest words – Roman Catholics even recited the names of saints for protection and salvation. Many prayed hard indeed, with some visiting churches to light candles.
Regardless of faith, we hear the same prayers during floods, typhoons, fires, violence, and other catastrophes; only atheists refuse to make pleas to ghosts in heaven (they will probably wait for when the world crumbles to submit their fate). If we cry out to God during times of crisis, He will (and can) bring help and He can bring a multitude of blessings out of every circumstance. There is nothing wrong with sending petitions to the Creator via social media.
However, why do we have a penchant to remember God during times of crisis? Such prayers can also be made during normal times. The problem is many are neglectful of the duty to be faithful – there is a laziness and apathy when it comes to
this area of life.
When waking up, many forget to say a prayer to thank God for the gift of love, daily bread, and life; but they are quick to open social media and post photos depicting one's latest escapades, events, food, etc. – God is forgotten and takes a back seat. Yet, when calamity strikes, people are rattled and panicked and the first recollection is God and His intercession is immediately sought after.
It is impossible not to be moved during the New York City Marathon, whether as a participant, spectator, observer, sportswriter, or sportscaster. The event, which took place last weekend, is arguably the most prestigious and biggest marathon in the world
The marathon has everything; good weather, Central Park, colorful aerial views, spacious routes, enthusiasm from runners and organizers, and international energy emanating across the 26.2 mile route.
The most touching moment was when Kenya's Mary Keitany made the sign of a cross two seconds after crossing the tape, capturing her fourth title. It was then I realized Keitany, who clocked in at 2:22:48 and became only the second female to win four New York City Marathons, was a Roman Catholic.
Her parents must have named her after either the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus; or Mary Magdalene, Jesus' alleged lover.
The marathon has been dominated by African athletes, Kamworor, Kitata, Desisa, Keitany, Cheruiyot, Okayo, to name a few. Many sports fans may not be familiar with the names as they are all from Ethiopia and Kenya, countries that have also produced winners in the London Marathon, Boston Marathon, and Olympics.