By Fr. Bel R. San Luis, SVD   Recently, the multi-media reported that “the Philippines’ growth rate is the fastest in the region after China’s 6.9 percent and Vietnam 6.8 percent.” Praise the Lord! * * * The good news is exhilarating, indeed. However, it’s baffling because shortly after this was publicized, the prices of basic commodities, including price of oil products, soared! * * * Despite the much-ballyhooed economic growth, the people do not feel it. It has not trickled down. What people expect today are improvements in the delivery of basic commodities and lowering of prices of oil products. * * * The index of economic prosperity is not rosy press releases and statistics that cannot satisfy the stomach. What’s crucial is the improvement of the living condition of the people here and now. * * * SVD BROTHER SWINDLED. A few days ago SVD Brother Dennis (not his real name) was the victim of a scam which, though did not involve a big amount, was shrewdly carried out. A certain Dr. Lopez called up Bro. Dennis supposedly from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, saying she had just arrived from the USA and had a package for him plus $400 sent from his relative. * * * “Who’s that relative?” Bro. Dennis asked. The lady said, “Pardon me, Brother, but I forgot the name. Don’t you have relatives in California, Maryland, or Texas?” “Yes, I do have a cousin residing in Maryland” and mentioned her name. Dr. Lopez briskly replied, “Yes that’s the one who sent this pasalubong.” * * * She went on, “I’d like to send over to your place the money and package through my son but I need a little amount to facilitate the release.” Brother acceded and waited for the son who came promptly at around 11 a.m. He introduced himself as the son of Dr. Lopez. * * * Bro. Dennis didn’t waste time handing the R3,000 as requested, blissful over the prospect of receiving the dollar pasalubong and parcel. Brother’s mind even soared fanciful in buying an iPad or laptop with $400. The son told Bro. Dennis to just wait a few hours for the delivery. * * * Bro. Dennis waited until midnight. There was no call or delivery. Poor Brother; he realized too late that everything was a scam! * * * MORAL? Nowadays there are all kinds of “creative” scams. So be wary. As the saying goes, “Look before you leap.” If a similar thing happens to you, ask for his or her valid ID or call the person who sent him for verification. Better to be sure than sorry. * * * SUPPORT SEMINARIANS. Seminarians are our future priests and bishops. We don’t have INSTANT priests and bishops. They all start as seminarians. We cannot have them if we don’t form, nurture, and support seminarians NOW. Hence, this appeal. * * * Readers who want to help may e-mail me at: [email protected]. * * * “What draws us closer and makes us care for one another is not what we have, but what we give. Keep on sharing and feel the reward of peace, joy, and love. God loves you.” — Anon. * * * St. Jude. Today join our novena to St. Jude, Saint of the Impossible, at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary, on E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City, after the 6 p.m. mass. A healing prayer and anointing of the sick will follow.