The RH Bill and the Flood



The Habagat was still raging and the flood was still rising at that time. But some people have already declared that it was divine wrath poured out against the Reproductive Health Bill. For example, Advocates of Life twitted, “I wouldn't be surprised if the flooding in Manila is an expression of God's wrath over the RH Bill.” (The House of Representatives voted to end all the debates on the bill last Monday, August6, 2012, when the rains fell. Talk about timing!) 

I find such pronouncements so insensitive at the very least. No matter what’s our stance on the RH Bill, I just hope we would all agree that both pro-RH and anti-RH people suffered in the calamity. I don’t even think that that issue crossed their minds as they scampered to the roof to save themselves. The blame game can come later. But I think we would be more on target when we pin it on other issues such as poor urban planning and improper waste disposal. It was, as experts say, more of “a man-made disaster” than the hand of God.

When I read those accusing tweets and FB posts, I recalled Luke 13 when people asked the Lord Jesus “about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.” (v. 1b, ESV) Possibly, they asked Him why God allowed such injustice. He wisely replied, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Vv. 2b-3) Some tend to think that there are those who suffer because they were “worse sinners” than them. The Lord answered with a resounding “No.” Then He added, “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Vv. 4-5) Again, He said, “No.” When cancer inflicts a dear loved one, for example, we tend to cry out, “Why her? There are so many evil people out there. Why not them?” It is because we assume that they are “worse offenders.” Sure, we admit we are all sinners. But we add in the next breath that we are not that bad compared to others. Our Lord teaches “that calamity can happen to anyone because all are human… Jesus’ point was that being killed or not being killed is no measure of a person’s unrighteousness or righteousness. Anyone can be killed. Only God’s grace causes any to live… Death is the common denominator for everyone.” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Instead of being self-righteous, all of us need to repent and put ourselves in the hands of the merciful God. For all of us need His grace. We should not be haughty. We should humble ourselves before Him and pray for our country.

Instead of blaming, we should be helping. 

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