1st Sunday of Lent and Migrants’ Sunday

February 21, 2010

Dt 26,4-10
Rom 10,8-13
Lk 4, 1-13

Today is Migrants’ Sunday. We remember our countrymen who left their homeland in search of the proverbial greener pastures. The lure of possible wealth is a temptation to which they have succumbed. They have perhaps also given up on the possibility that things will get better in their own country. It was also noted that many have performed better and perhaps behaved better under foreign governments.

Jesus was also tempted by Satan who offered many things to him: glory, success, and honor. As if Jesus wanted these. It was a no brainer from the start. What Satan offered was nothing to what God has.

If only our countrymen who have migrated were strong enough to resist the lure of a better life somewhere else. It would seem that they love their own (and their families’) welfare more than their homeland. I read recently an essay by a Korean who compared the history of the Philippines and Korea. According to him, there was a time when Korea envied the progress of the Philippines. But Korea developed quickly because Koreans who migrated to Europe and the US to gain knowledge and skills heeded the call of their President to come home and help develop the country. In short, love for country prevailed over love for self. They resisted the temptation to have a good life, outside their own country.

You will say that it would be the fault of our political leaders. If only they  themselves would show  love of country, then perhaps things would be different. Alas, many of them are easy prey to the temptation  of enriching themselves.

Satan continues to tempt all of us. He is tireless in his efforts  to prevent us from following the way of Jesus. Jesus showed us how to deal with Satan: prayer, sacrifice, and faith in God.

Fr. Gil Alejandria, SVD
Catholic Trade Manila
The Word in Other Words