OTWOMD | Bluepanjeet.Net
Journey with an ex-seminarian as he fulfill his dreams and search his place in the greater scheme of things on the wings of his dreamBreaking News: Imee and Bongbong Marcos attended Cory’s wake
At 2:30 PM Manila time, Bongbong Marcos and sister Imee Marcos attended the wake of the Late president Corazon Aquino. The People were neither hostile nor warm in their presence but the Aquino grandchildren were civil enough to welcome them. Ballsy, the eldest of the Aquino Siblings briefly came out to thank their presence. I saw Aimee mouthed out to Bongbong “Tayo Na” perhaps telling the brother that they leave. Media had a field day interviewing them as they transfer from pew to pew with no apparent reason, maybe except to escape the attention they’ve been getting. Noynoy, Viel, Pinky and Kris were not there during their visit. People’s reactions however were civil. According to the Anchor of ANC, ABS-CBN’s news channel, people inside the cathedral were taking their cues from the reaction of the Aquino family. So far the crowds were not hostile to the Marcoses, but they were absolutely shocked at their presence.
Will this be the start of the reconcilation between the two families who outlined for us the History of the Philippines, from bondage to freedom?
Personally, I think it’s very gracious for the Aquinos to welcome their most bitter rival in politics. And I think the Marcoses made a right decision to bury the hatchet at least at this time. I always believe that the sins of the fathers should not be passed on to the children. But then again, as a Filipino who believed in the cause of Ninoy and Cory, I think reconcilaiton would really bear a great meaning if the Marcoses would apologize for what they did to Ninoy and his family.
Up to now, their materialistic Matriarch is in denial of the crimes they’ve committed, haven’t been jailed nor were apologetic of the past. Sure that they were gracious in paying respect and praying for the Aquinos, but who knows if they were really sincere deep inside? For all we know, they saw that that the Cory Magic is still alive after yesterday’s transfer and any political ambition will prove futile if there are no bits of “goodness” shown to the late President Aquino.
About the Catholic Blogger
Romuald Matthieson, a.k.a. "bluepanjeet" has been writing in cyber space since 2005. In 2006, he jump-started his Catholic blogging a few years even before the Catholic Church realized the importance of utilizing social networks in spreading the Gospel. In 2007, in response to a realization of the growing need for Catholic Bloggers online, he officially launched his own self-hosted Catholic blog and called it "On The Wings Of My Dream" or simply OTWOMD which is a metaphor of his favorite psalm in the Bible, Psalm 63. Since then he has been blogging, and sometimes podcasting, for the Catholic Church using his enthusiasm in the New Media, his inclination on visual and digital arts, his passion for the written word and his love for the Catholic Church. You can follow Rom's tweets on Twitter @rommatthieson
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For me, the most touching moment in Cory’s wake was when Bongbong and Imee Marcos visited and paid their respects. Cory’s death paved the way for this. This is now the chance for true and genuine reconciliation. This opportunity will never come again as Cory will not die the second time to pave the way. Bury the hatchet in the ground and forgive.
The Marcos-Aquino feud is the mother of all feuds in the country. If resolved, its effect will radiate all throughout the land and resolution of other political feuds, differences and conflicts will follow. Half a century of differences and disunity is enough. Only the Aquino and Marcos children can resolve this now.
Ninoy and Cory have successfully moulded their children to become strong yet kind-hearted and God-fearing. As the people learn to know how Cory trained them, they have become the role models for almost all families in the country now. They must also be role models in forgiving. They may lead the country to total reconciliation and unity. I understand how heavy and difficult this will be to all concerned, but this is also an opportunity to remove the heaviness in their hearts bought by anger and bitterness and enjoy the great joy and happiness that reconciliation bring.
Jesus said, “43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and your enemy.’ 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may not be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous. 46If you love your friend, what rewards will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matt.5:43-48)
Others will say and advise not to forgive because justice was not done in Ninoy’s death. But we love and revere Ninoy the more also because of the circumstances surrounding his death. That’s always the way heroes die.
The Spaniards and Japanese have killed most of our heroes yet we have forgiven them. If we don’t learn how to forgive, we might as well forget about the words ‘unity’ and ‘reconciliation’. This time don’t follow what others will say.
Just follow the teachings of Jesus. I advise Noynoy and Bongbong to lead their respective families in sitting down and start the talks. Lead the country to total reconciliation. Cory failed to leave the legacy of genuine reconciliation but her death has opened the way. Perhaps this is what she really wanted.
We have seen how history has judged the bad deeds of Marcos on one hand and the good deeds of Ninoy and Cory on the other hand. Pres. Marcos did not have a decent burial until now, but we cannot allow the Marcos children to suffer the consequences of their father’s misdeeds for the rest of their lives. It’s the country that suffers from this divisiveness. We must put an end to it, and now is the perfect time.
First of all, let us define the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is a state of the heart where a person does not hold any grudges against their neighbor. The reward of forgiveness is freedom. To forgive is a command by the Jesus who forgave humanity’s sin. You have to forgive, it is the way to true freedom. Forgiveness is a requirement to live true Biblical lives. Although it is necessary for the soul to forgive, reconciliation is a different matter. Reconciliation is building and retaining a relationship with the other party.
In the Old Testament times, Joseph who was sold as a slave forgave his brothers. When the brothers went to Egypt to barter for food, he did not run to them and reconciled in an instant. His forgiveness was there but his reconciliation was not immediate. The brothers had to realize and bring back to memory their wrong doing. It was the brothers responsibility to reconcile and repent of their wrong.
Reconciliation is a process. It does not come in an instant. Each party should take steps to rebuild the relationship. Example: if a husband and wife suffer infidelity, they can forgive each other but the trust will take steps to heal. If we ask God to forgive us, He is faithful to forgive, but the consequences of our actions will still remain. Because we chose to act upon our temptations. If a drunk comes to a realization that he is deeply offending God, asks for forgiveness, God will forgive him no doubt. But the drunk had tied God’s hand with the consequences of his actions. If he develops liver cancer, this is the consequence that he needs to accept because of his past. God may free him from craving liquor but he alone should face the results of his actions.
Forgiveness is a condition of the heart when you do not hold the other party to offend you any longer. You can forgive, one or a thousand times, which is well commended by the Bible. But the forgiven party should show a change of heart for restoration. God always forgives us, even if commit the gravest of sins. But we should realize we did Him wrong and turn from our misdeeds to Him, then there is reconciliation. If a person turns 180 degrees away from his filthy deeds, then there is true repentance and desire to reconcile.
The offender should accept his full responsibility with the offense. What is the use of establishing the relationship only to be taken advantaged of by suffering the same offense over and over again? In reconciliation, if the offensive party is still defensive and unable to account for his wrong, it is a questionable reconciliation. Reconciliation also requires to make restitution with the matter. If he owes money, let him give it back, if he owes an apology to the whole clan and generation of the offended party, let him do so. If he murdered a person, they should spend time in jail.
Reconciliation in its truest form is a journey in itself. If repentance is there and forgiveness is given, the offender should change his ways. Although some actions run deep in the behavioral pattern of men, a desire to change in spite of setbacks will help progress the relationship. Forgiveness on the other hand is not keeping a list and tabs of offenses given to the offended. It is the art form of letting go and letting God.
Most outward reconciliations are only motivated with self serving needs. Each party should always check their motives in reconciliation. If it is motivated other than a desire for genuine relationship, nothing has changed.