THE ORDER IN CHAOS

Our world today seems to be in great chaos. Some governments are run by incompetent and corrupt officials, ruining the lives of thousands. Business empires and oligarchs make their way to satisfy their unhampered greed for profit even to the detriment of the environment and welfare of their employees. Man seems to be walking around, living life aimlessly and meaninglessly; just enough to survive another day.

As Catholics, our life is not spared from this chaos. Ours too has a share of its tumultuous moments. Authorities that used to be obeyed unquestioningly are now mistrusted. Doctrines and disciplines that have long been in place are now questioned and even threatened to be overthrown. (Even our religious communities and apostolates are not spared from these sorry situations. Can you name a school without a problem or a religious community without any conflict? That community and apostolate must be heaven!) This confusion and madness in society can be an external manifestation of the internal disorder in us. After all, it is we who compose these untidy societies. Our stories and dispositions are the building blocks of our communities.   

How shall we proceed from this chaos and threats around us. How shall we pursue peace, and shun away despair?

Our predicaments are no different from those of Daniel (cf. Dn 6:12-28), and those events that will precede the coming of God. Exiled in a foreign kingdom, Daniel was constantly persecuted and tested. He was tempted to take food from the king's table, to transgress the laws set by God and to stop praying to the one true God. It could have been very difficult for Daniel to be faithful to God. Upon hearing Jesus’ prophecy about the horrors of the end of the world, his listeners must have been terrified by the impending calamities, desolations, and wrath. He predicted that some will even die of fright for the chaos that is to come (cf. Lk 21:20-28). One may be reduced to hopelessness and misery in such a confusing situation; to simply give in to the pervading bleak system or situation.

At the end of His prophecy, Jesus reminds us: But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. Despair is not an option for us amid confusing times. Daniel continued to pray even with all the threats he may have received for his pagan captors. He walked into the lion's den with no resistance at all. The king seemed to be more worried about Daniel's fate. That calmness and confidence to the Divine Providence is our key against the temptation to despair today. We can stand erect, with our heads held high knowing we are standing on a solid foundation (Jesus); knowing we have been faithful to God who redeems us from all our adversaries and chaotic situations we might find ourselves in.

Bumababa ho ba ang enrolment? Wala na ho ba tayong pangtustus sa apostolate? Matigas na ho ba ang puso ng isa sa kasamahan natin? Huwag mag alala; wag mawalan ng pag-asa. DIOS ANG BAHALA SA ATIN!