Senators on Friday called on Filipinos to share their blessings to those who have adversely been displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette.
Senator Richard Gordon, who chairs the Philippine Red Cross, noted that while the country has yet to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic, it is again facing another crisis wrought by the typhoon.
“Maraming nahihirapan, mahirap maging happy (When so many are suffering, it’s difficult to be happy),” Gordon said in a video message.
“We can only be happy if we could share our blessings God has given us to those who are vulnerable. And there are many today who are vulnerable,” the re-electionist senator added.
“Tulad ng sinabi sa atin ng Panginoon, magkaroon tayo ng (As what God tells us, let us have) peace on earth and goodwill to men and the Corporal Works of Mercy, to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, to bury the dead, and many others,” he added.
Gordon said people must look inward to remember the true spirit of Christmas - the importance of the arrival of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his teachings that emphasize love for the Divine and to others.
“Family is the most important thing this Christmas. But more important than that is to be and have God, to be with God and to have God in our hearts. And we see God in every other person especially those who are in suffering, who are vulnerable,” the lawmaker said.
“If we make Merry Christmas merry every day, like Valentine's every day, then what you have to call love and the two great commandments is love God with your whole heart and your whole soul. So, love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love this Christmas. Love every day, and the world can be happy. Let us make someone happy every day,” he added.
Detained Senator Leila de Lima, another re-electionist senator, echoed Gordon’s call as she asks Filipinos to show love and compassion towards each other and thank God for the gift of life despite the challenges and difficulties faced during the Yuletide season.
De Lima said she believes Christmas will always be a season of hope, love and humility. She urged fellow Filipinos to pray for each other during these tough times.
“Lagi’t laging may agam-agam at pangamba. Pero sa pananampalataya nagbubukal ang tatag at lakas ng loob, lalo na kung may karamay at kasamang umaalalay para bumangon sa trahedya (There will always be uncertainty and fear. But with faith one can get strength especially if you have a companion who is ready to help you rise from a tragedy),” she added.
Likewise, Sen. Nancy Binay said she hopes Christmas is a time of opportunity to pause and pray for fellow Filipinos heavily affected by Typhoon Odette.
“As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us take time to pause and let into our hearts and homes our kababayans who lost their homes and livelihoods due to Typhoon Odette,” Binay said also in a separate statement.
“May our faith in Christ sustain us, as we recover and stand up once again from the ravages of natural calamities and the pandemic,” she said.