We Can Be Heroes

With more than 200 confirmed dead, if not missing and more than a million people affected, typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) is one of the worst typhoons to have hit the Philippines.Ondoy dumped more than a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours, causing the government to declare a "state of calamity" in Metro Manila and 25 typhoon-ravaged provinces.

There is an outpouring of goodwill among people wanting to help the victims, but one story needs to be told: Army Private First Class Venancio Ancheta saved 20 people from raging floodwaters during rescue operations but lost his own life when he drowned while trying to rescue more in Famy town, Laguna. Six other rescuers suffered the same fate as Ancheta.

Heroes emerge in times of difficulties and disasters. The true strength of the spirit and of faith is revealed in a person when put to the test. Natural calamities, that cause damage to properties, loss of lives and immeasurable suffering, require courage and selflessness on those able to help.

Yet there are other storms that need heroes as well.  There are people who are persecuted for their beliefs; there are individuals who wallow in poverty and starvation; there are those who succumb to vice and sin. They need to be saved, by whom? Not just by nuns who follow the footsteps of Mother Teresa; not just by volunteers who work in charitable institutions; not just by campaigners in pro-life organisations. They need to be saved by you.

You could rescue that wayward youth, or that maltreated wife next door, or that fellow made redundant.  You could lend a hand to that inmate in the local prison, or that lass addicted to substance, or that missionary in need of support. So many are in need; yet so few are the workers.

We are our brother’s keepers. “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) We are made to champion God’s causes.“Feed and shepherd God’s flock – his church, purchased with his own blood – over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.” (Acts 20:28)  But if you retreat from God’s calling for help to others, the message is: “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

As we pray for those who died in typhoons and other disasters in the Philippines and other countries of the world, let’s do our share of rescuing, of helping, of caring for those who live, yet suffer. We can be heroes to them; we can be heroes for God.

by Mel Libre