Churches in Bohol and Cebu Damaged by Earthquake

Photo Credit: @jedcortes Twitter

October 15, 2013 - A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Visayas on Tuesday Morning with the most damages reported for Bohol and Cebu.

"Ang mga gumuhong simbahan ay mga struktura lamang; ang tunay na simbahan ay nasa puso ng mga tao." --- Julius Babao, Bandila (He may be Catholic, but this is the most spot-on realization today. Agree 100%. God bless the Philippines.)

Of all the structures that could have been damaged, I wonder why the century-old churches are the most hit. There are definitely much more poorly built edifices and infrastructures out there (what with the corruption in government-led constructions and less stringent regulations over building structural integrity). But why the Catholic churches? Ironically, on the day of the Feast of Sacrifice celebrated by brothers and sisters from another faith? Questions worth reflecting on, once we've gotten past the disheartening statistics of lost lives and the immediate needs of our kababayans affected by the earthquake. I believe that these are "coincidences" which we shouldn't take lightly. There is a message in there somewhere.

At the end of all of these, I pause and realize that we should be more worried of the deeper damage to the spirit than the physical structures needing restoration. We may have to look further --- beyond the tourism landmarks --- for ruins which need more attention. 

Redemption. Salvation. Surrender. Yes, big words on faith, we say. And yet we need only as little as a mustard seed to move this mountain that is now upon us. 

Our prayers for guidance, protection and enlightenment, Heavenly Father.