The historic visit of Pope Francis to the United States totally electrified the Americans struggling through many issues that are threatening to polarize them. It was the first time ever that the leader of the Catholic Church spoke before a joint session of Congress, and to describe the effect of his speech as overwhelming is an understatement.
He spoke directly to the politicians, reminding both Democrats and Republicans that their “responsibility as members of Congress is to enable your country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people, their representatives. You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics.”
What was originally a 30-minute speech went on for almost an hour – as the usually highly opinionated legislators grew silent, concentrating as they carefully listened to every word – and then would break into thunderous applause and standing ovation numerous times during the Pope’s message. Even outgoing House Speaker John Boehner – a devout Catholic, also known as a tough guy who can take on punishing political blows and criticisms – had difficulty keeping his emotions in check, his face scrunching up and his lips quivering until he had to take out a white handkerchief, fighting to keep his tears from falling.
The powerful message of Pope Francis touched a raw nerve not only among Americans but the citizens across many nations who were able to watch the historic occasion on worldwide television. “I would like to take this opportunity to dialogue with the many thousands of men and women who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and – one step at a time – to build a better life for their families. These are men and women who are not concerned simply with paying their taxes, but in their own quiet way sustain the life of society. They generate solidarity by their actions, and they create organizations which offer a helping hand to those most in need,” the Pope said.
The pontiff reminded them about the sanctity of life and care for the environment, but what really resonated the most among many as the real heart of the message was when he invoked the Golden Rule as outlined in the Bible: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
“This rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated,” he exhorted, reminding everyone that the yardstick they use for their fellowmen will be the yardstick that will be used to measure them in time. One could also put it this way: What you dished out would come back to you in full measure. In one simple word – “karma.”
No other individual today can come close to the powerfully charismatic appeal that Pope Francis clearly has – and we Filipinos are extremely blessed to have seen and heard him when he visited our country last January to bring with him a message of love and hope especially to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte. Until now, those who saw him up close tell us they have never seen anything like it – the palpable aura of genuine compassion and empathy for whose who were suffering from the devastating effects of the killer typhoon.
Not even the threat of another tropical storm could deter the pontiff from pushing through with his visit to console the victims – arriving at Tacloban airport to the joyful welcome of people clad in raincoats, patiently waiting under the rain. Many told us the Pope’s arrival and presence was like a soothing balm to their grieving hearts and despairing spirits who felt like they were made victims once again at the lack of empathy from “officials who were more concerned at delineating partisan political boundaries rather than giving help,” one victim tearfully said.
In his visit to the US, the Pope reminded that politics should be an expression by which the greatest common good should be built, and that particular interests should be sacrificed in order for politics to build and strengthen society. “We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good,” the Pope exhorted.
If politicians from a powerful country like the US could be moved almost in tears at the Pope’s message, then all the more that Filipino politicians in a Catholic nation like ours should heed his words and keep the message of the leader of the Catholic Church to heart. Do good unto others, that good may be done to you. Show compassion to your fellow Filipinos – it is your sworn duty – and set politics aside.
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Last Thursday, Senator Chiz Escudero was our guest speaker at the Manila Rotary (see photos in “This Week on PeopleAsia” at the Allure section today). The running mate of Senator Grace Poe handled tough questions with impressive candor. I sat down with Chiz after the meeting who told me point blank that he wished it was true he could “dictate” to Grace, but the fact is, she is very determined and does what she feels is the right thing to do. Chiz says that if the most powerful person, the president of the country, cannot dictate to her, what more a senator like him who is her equal? Besides, he said, a vote for her is not necessarily a vote for him.
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