Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Goodness is it's own Blessing

I read somewhere that the apostles on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus after His resurrection because God has ressurected in the form of every person we encounter in the road of life.

Jesus Christ can be our stronghold and everlasting motivation for kindness. When I sometimes get tired loving, especially those who turn out to be ungrateful as some beneficiaries of "pro bono" services do-- they can be demanding as well--I find consolation in the thought that no good act is ever wasted and every single act of charity will add up to the totality of humankindness. Then I offer all of it to God.

One of the more hearbreaking lament I hear from spouses--mostly wives and mothers is:"How could he/she ever do this ungratefulness/betrayal after all the loving I had done?" I heard these searing words spoken also by a jilted husband--actually two husbands. Both of them are successful businessmen but very unlucky for marrying the wrong women. Both wives abandoned them for another men.

I personally could not fathom how this misfortune could befall on these two generous, inteliigent and successful husbands. They were both generous to the end. Although they had grounds for legal separation which can result in the forfeiture of the share of the wives in the conjugal assets, they decided to file nullity cases which includes an equitable division of the property of the marriage. Their love for their children whom they wanted to shield from a bloody litigation inspired that kind of forgiveness and quality of kindness. The women didn't know what they lost.

But then who am I to judge any woman's heart? No one can ever plunge into her heart's innermost sanctum except she and her Divine Designer and Creator.

And for those who feel betrayed, I can only offer my standard consolation: "That all good acts are rewarded--and that goodness is its own blessing.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

goodness is its own reward.... and still, I'd like to see goodness occasionally reward goodness. A good man who is always bitten on the hand by those he helps eventually sinks into depression- and loathing.

It's human nature.

Lester said...

This is sometimes true and sometimes not so true. I say this because I've seen many instances where not-so-good people take advantage of people who believe that all they have to do is to do good and the rest of the world will follow. Sometimes, good people have to take action against bad people, for the simple reason that they got hurt and they deserve justice. This is easier said than done especially in the Philippines where people are told by their religion to forgive their neighbors as many times as possible. Forgiving someone for an offense is truly a kind thing to do. But when that person does the same offense again and again, I think we should do something about it.

Anonymous said...

Excellent views Lester Cavestany and jobcentral.

Fraternal correction is also a duty that our Christian faith upholds. And in its performance, the court may be the only avenue for relief, as in situations you depicted. It can also provide moral remedies such as restoration of peace and relationship through justice.

The modern legal system is also evolving alternative methods for reconciliation and healing

Anonymous said...

forgiveness generally empowers society- but some people are beyond forgiveness. They thrive on leniency to commit crimes all over again- laughing all the way at how soft the authorities are.

For them: I submit the lethal injection!

Anonymous said...

Can disinheritance be a morally apt correction for children who abuse and maltreat their parents or for parents who abandon their children?

Anonymous said...

Definitely! Kick em out! The ingrates...