Before I even wrote these words, the Holy Spirit already dwelt within me, guiding my thoughts and preparing my heart. He placed this message in my spirit — to share with our people, our nation, and the whole world — that we must hold fast our faith in the Holy Spirit, in our Lord Jesus Christ, in Mama Mary, and in the Holy Father. Through them, may our lives be eased, and may we be kept safe and far from every trouble that may come.
Devastating images fill our screens daily. In Nepal, massive floods and landslides have claimed over 160 lives, with hundreds still missing. In Chongqing, China, landslides have buried communities. In Indonesia, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara, killing over 100 people, injuring thousands, and displacing nearly 93,000 more — homes collapsed, lives shattered.
Here in the Philippines, the rains continue to pour relentlessly. We see the waters rising in Calumpit, Santa Maria, Meycauayan, Marilao, and Hagonoy — entire communities submerged, roads disappearing. Even the Benigno Aquino Bridge has been cut and capsized, a powerful sign of how strong and overwhelming these floodwaters have become. Manila and surrounding areas also struggle under the weight of this continuous downpour. Earthquakes shake nations across the globe, and floods sweep through our own lands.
These events naturally stir fear. We ask: Is this the beginning of tribulation? Are these signs of the end? Jesus Himself warned us: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:10–11). Yet He also said: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).
We do not need to live in fear. Instead, we keep our eyes on Jesus. He is our unshakable refuge. These events call us not to panic, but to prepare — spiritually and practically — to pray, to help the suffering, to live with urgency and love. The world may shake, bridges may fall, and waters may rise — but our Savior never changes. He holds all things together.
Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Whatever comes, we trust Him. We watch, we pray, we love — and we stand firm.
