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Saturday, April 22, 2006
Libre: Living each day rightly
By Mel Libre
Seriously Now
Death is inevitable. What is uncertain is the timing of one’s death. Some people may find it morbid to discuss death, but there are many who deal with it matter-of-factly.
Fortunately or unfortunately, those who are in the advance stage of incurable diseases or age can reflect about their fate, be forgiving to their enemies and be closer to their Maker. I have come across people who accept their suffering from cancer as a gift, for it allows them to cleanse their souls of sins and of shortcomings as believers.
I had my brushes with death. But the most unforgettable was when I learned that four arteries in my heart were clogged. With the knowledge that any delay would heighten the possibility of a fatal heart attack, I went through a quadruple heart bypass operation.
Days before the surgery, I prayed like I never prayed before. When the operation was over and I lay helplessly inside the recovery room, I did nothing in the next 24-36 hours but pray. Those moments strengthened my faith in God and made me a witness to His awesome powers.
Cebu City has seen many lives taken violently through assassins’ bullets. Bodies of suspected criminals killed by vigilantes have piled up, yet those in power are uncaring and unmoved. The culture of violence has likewise claimed the lives of dedicated crusaders like human rights lawyer Arbet Sta. Ana-Yongco and environmentalist Elpidio “Jojo” de la Victoria.
While no one wants to die in a violent manner, it is a price one pays for fighting genuinely for a just cause. De la Victoria, as his son recalls, called on all saints and the Lord asking for a chance to live, but God had a different plan for His good servant. To die for one’s cause is, probably, the best way to cross over to eternal life.
Martyrdom not only reveals the true nature of one’s spirit but also leads others to pursue the unfinished work of the martyr. The greatest story of all, the life of Jesus, tells us that through His death there is salvation to humanity.
I cannot fathom though the rationality of people who, in the name of religion, strap bombs around their bodies killing not only themselves but also innocent civilians. Committing suicide with intent to kill others is self-murder with mass murder. Whoever thinks heaven await these killers should have his head examined.
Most, if not all believers pray that they will not suffer instantaneous death. There are Christians who make devotions if only to ascertain they will be given the Last Sacrament prior to death. But how many individuals have died without a religious by their side? For sure there have been many. We can only pray for the repose of their souls.
But for us who remain alive in this temporal world, we should “live each day as if it were the last,” as Og Magdino so writes. As for me, I’d say, “live each day rightly as it may just be your last.”
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (April 22, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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