Pray for the Corrupt

The massive and shameless corruption involving a number of people in government, in partnership with swindlers, has hogged the headlines for days.

Billions of taxpayers' money for infrastructure projects and calamity ravaged areas, according to the Commission on Audit (COA) report, went to private pockets through bogus Non-Government Organizations (NGO). 

These private pockets have been living it up for the world to see—mansions in exclusive enclaves, parties that rival Hollywood celebrities', and imported cars only royalty can afford.

We are angry.
Furious.
Livid.
And rightfully so.

In our collective wrath, a massive non-partisan indignation/protest rally against corrupt lawmakers who make the pork barrel their private coffers, has been organized by ordinary citizens and spread like wildfire on cyberspace. It will be held today, August 26 (National Heroes' Day), at Luneta (Rizal Park).

Words and images close to combustion on social networking sites are graphically profane, sarcastic, and murderous.

%$#@! . . . %$#@! . . . %$#@!

Then, like being doused with cold water by our pastor at our prayer meeting, we were reminded of how Paul admonished his ward, Timothy:

“. . . pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1Timothy 2:1-4  (NLT)

What? Pray for the corrupt?! was my thought balloon.

“. . . and for the terrorists, despots, criminals, con men, rebels . . . all men,” he continued.

“Pray for the . . .

“oppressed and the oppressor; 

“the kidnapped and the kidnaper;

“the miserable and those causing the misery;

“the peace doves and the war freaks;

“the heroes and the villains;

“the beautiful and the ugly;

“the good and the bad. 

“Pray for all people exempts no one. God's grace on the cross, as Christians know it, is for all—saint or sinner."

As we join the rest of those who want to rid government of corruption at Luneta today, we will do away with subversive banners, we will not make noise, we will shun expletives. We will go with empty clasped hands and a head bowed down in prayer for a peaceful rally.

We will pray for the people who are awash with the cash and stash that belong to us. We will pray that they may feel the eyes of God so that someday, they will turn away from their evil ways, and fix their eyes upon Jesus so He will heal our land. 

We will pray . . . and pray . . . and pray . . .