Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Nalzaro: Lost son By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
EVERYBODY has heard of the parable of the Prodigal Son. Joavan, the controversial adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Soc Fernandez, is not literally a lost son. But I hope he will end up like the Prodigal Son, who eventually went home, sought forgiveness and was accepted back by his father.
It is not too late for Joavan to live a normal and peaceful life. That is if he is willing to repent and follow the footsteps of his acknowledged father.
Brod Soc was personally affected by the negative comments on the allegations hurled against Joavan. A father naturally protects his children from humiliation and harm, sometimes making him look bad before the eyes of the public.
The case of Brod Soc, however, is different. He is not only a father but is also public official. He is also a Catholic faith defender, who has memorized every verse in the Holy Scripture.
How can people believe in what Brod Soc teaches based on the Bible when he cannot even prod his adopted son to follow him? He should convince his son first to repent and reform and be a good person in the community.
I have high regard for Brod Soc and sympathize with his predicament. He is being crucified by the public for his son's brushes with the law. He did not commit wrongdoing but was criticized for his son's “sins.”
But he attempted to protect Joavan, saying he is a principled man. How can he be a principled when he has a string of criminal cases? When Brod Soc said that, people tended to conclude he was lying, which is against the teaching of God.
As a friend, my advice to the honorable mayor is that he sends Joavan to voluntary rehabilitation. Joavan is said to be a drug addict that is why he has the guts to commit crimes. With him in rehabilitation, Mayor Soc can sleep well and focus on running the affairs of the city government.
If Joavan remains on the loose, there’s the possibility that one of these days he will commit more criminal offenses or, God forbid, meet his untimely death. Why? We cannot control people whom he oppressed and who may get back at him.
It would be better for Joavan if he is locked up inside a rehabilitation center. He is safe there and the people of Talisay will also no longer live in fear.
Once he is rehabilitated, there is hope that he will live a normal life again. He can then become an instrument to spread the word of God like his father.
