Fr. Flor Lagura, SVD
In the service of th word

KADYO, he with his hunched back and small poorly nourished body, is an uyamot living among the graves of Carreta Catholic Cemetery.

Unofficially they help maintain the plots and “pantions” of the graveyard by cleaning, weeding and patrolling the area 24/7. Every peso they receive is much appreciated.

But, like many other else, the world and its “gospel” tries to lull Kadyo and his friends living in the cemetery into a dream of earthly security.

They are offered the dream of being rich with trillions, of being powerful as some politicians, of being dominating as the men who ejected them from the barong-barongs they once called “home,” and of becoming drunk with pleasure as some well-known figures who swap partners as they swap cars.

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At one point in their lives, however, a figure came into their midst preaching with his life a radically different gospel.

He opted to be with them; he even offered them hope of a having a home of their own and a chance to live no longer among the dead.

The good news he told them spoke of being truly blessed (bulahan)

- if they, trusting in God rather than in money, live as poor in spirit
- if they share other people’s sorrow by mourning with them
- if they restrain their anger and be truly gentle which is really great strength
- if they hunger for what is just and right instead of longing for power, status and fame
- if they show compassion instead of mouthing slogans like, “show no mercy, take no prisoners”
- if they maintain purity of hearts instead of keeping fingernails polished, teeth gleaming white and complexion fair
- if they strive to have peace with others instead of engaging in tribal fraternity troubles and showing power through the barrel of a gun
- finally, if they stand up for what is right, instead of cheating, lying and stealing in order to get ahead in life.

Kadyo and his band of mayukmoks at Carreta learned about this good news on how to be truly bulahan from one who once bearded the rich and the powerful with his confrontational approach.

Now, a mellowed Fr. Max Abalos SVD preaches the Lord’s gospel to the poor and shares their life in the hope that someday they, presently dwelling among the dead, will truly live.

“Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down.

His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. .... Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward I kept for you in heaven.’” Matthew 5”1, 2, 11 & 12.