The Philippine Online Chronicles

There was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw him, and since he knew how long this man had been lying there, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” And the sick man answered, “Sir, while I am still on my way, another steps down before me.”

Jesus then said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his mat and walked.

Now that day happened to be the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had just been healed, “It is the Sabbath and the Law doesn’t allow you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The one who healed me said to me: Take up your mat and walk.” They asked him, “Who is the one who said to you: Take up your mat and walk?” But the sick man had no idea who it was who had cured him, for Jesus had slipped away among the crowd that filled the place.

Afterwards Jesus met him in the Temple court and told him, “Now you are well; don’t sin again, lest something worse happens to you.” And the man went back and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. So the Jews persecuted Jesus because he performed healings like that on the Sabbath.

John 5:5-16

Barely two days had passed since the quiet inauguration of the Philippine Heritage Trail or PhilTrail in Hong Kong, when I got an interesting call from one of the participants. My mobile rang and Liza Paje was on the line with her story:

“I am a bit scared. I am on my way to the police to report what happened last February 27, 2010. I was withdrawing some money on the ATM machine in Laguna City when I found HK $3000. Not knowing what to do, I took the money after withdrawing. Finally, I informed my employer about the money and she immediately told me to report it to the police. I was glad I finally found the courage to tell my employer who was very supportive.”

Later that day, Liza called up again to inform me that she had already reported the matter to the Police. The Police asked her why she had not reported the matter earlier. She explained that she did not know what to do but never had the intention to steal the money. The Police explained that a hidden camera was recording all the transaction in the ATM which will surely identify all the people who went to the ATM. The Police asked for the money and when she said that she did not bring it, they insisted that she surrender the money the following day.

Thanks to her conscientious act Liza was spared from prosecution. Some weeks ago, a Filipina was apprehended for not surrendering a bigger amount. The Filipina found HK $11,000 at an ATM machine and did not surrender the amount right away. However, she deposited the amount in her account and informed the bank about the incident. She would surrender the amount to the rightful owner as soon as she or he turned up. However, investigators studying the video of that day’s transaction were able to identify her. She was arrested and charged with theft. The final verdict and punishment have been postponed due to the favorable doubt created by her story. Since the money was intact, she really might have had the intention to return it. Meanwhile this Filipina is waiting for a favorable resolution behind bars.

Liza’s simple story is one of conscience and integrity. The amount involved is not that big but it is still money that a needy OFW can use. A weaker person would have succumbed to the temptation and used the money for needs that might be legitimate. Conscience would have disturbed and reminded him or her that the end, no matter how noble, does not justify the means. Conscience is invisible. The act of stealing in a way is also invisible until one realizes that a hidden camera had been recording everything.

Liza’s conscience saved her both from arrest and the loss of integrity. Her act is also part of what her fellow OFWs experienced last Sunday at the launch of the PhilTrail Walk. Liza and her companions do not only take the walk to appreciate and learn from history. It is also a walk in the present and the future, a walk towards dignity (Lakbay Dangal) which involves many unseen acts of courage, conscience, and principle.

When Jesus cured the man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years he did it quietly. Having cured the man, he simply walked away. When the Pharisees questioned the man about who cured him, he could not tell them who it was. Jesus' act of love and compassion was unconditional. It was not done for recognition or money. Isn’t what our lives are all about? While we journey through life many of what we do are seen by others, even by hidden cameras. However, what matters most are actions that are not seen by others but by inner eyes that constantly invite us to live with dignity so that we can enjoy integrity.

Bless and protect your children, Lord. May we act more and more according to our consciences and grow more and more in awareness of those inner eyes that see each act, teaching us to shun what is wrong and pursue what is good. Amen.

Photo: Fr. Robert Reyes