by Rev. Dr. Mariano C. Apilado
I am leaving for Canada today, Thursday, September 23, to participate in an international colloquium among representatives from different countries and related to each other through the Mennonite World Conference.
The concern for peace, to be sure, is as old as the creation story when God created order, light and beauty out of a world of confusion, darkness and emptiness.
In the Philippines, the problems of peace and the bloody tragic consequences of un-peace are as current and disturbing as the hostage-taking of August 23.
Therefore, there is hardly anything new about the urgency of looking for peace and building peace in a world of confused standards, darkened by misunderstanding and hate and empty of love and compassion.
And so, for the skeptical and the indifferent and the heavily-burdened, the question becomes too difficult to ignore: “What? Another colloquium on peace?”
Indeed, many continue to raise the question about the elusiveness of peace and the seeming absence of any consequential results of the efforts for peace and peace building.
In a world of skepticism and indifference on the effectiveness of efforts towards the attainment of peace, I remember Davao and the six years I was fortunate to have served in a church that is ever hopeful for peace, the UCCP Davao City.
True, there are often misunderstandings within the membership and officers of the church, but the life and ministry of the church is inspired by the words of the Apostle Peter, “Always be ready to give reason for the hope that is in you.” (I Peter 3: 15).
The life and ministry of the UCCP Davao is now under the able leadership of four young pastors – Rev. Dejolde, Rev. Yebes, Rev. Ramoso and Pastor Hernani – all below forty years old and empowered by the gospel of hope.
I remember Davao and the firm but friendly leadership of the city administration under former mayor, now vice-mayor, Rodrigo, and former vice-Mayor, now Mayor Sara and their ever relentless campaign that Davao City personifies the endless hope for peace.
I remember the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) under the courageous leadership of Archbishop Fernando Capalla, who in his friendly peaceful moments, which is very often, allows himself to be addressed simply as Archbishop Nanding.
I remember the Aimah-Priests-Pastor Forum (APPF) where I was privileged, together with Rev. Fr. Pete Lamata and Ustadz Alim Adiulao, to be Co-Convenor, and its continuing efforts to reach out for peace.
I remember the Davao City Ministerial Fellowship (DCMF) which was headed by Rev. Patrick San, and its monthly meetings for fellowship and spiritual reflections for and on behalf of the city of Davao.
There are many dedicated people of Davao City, some more popularly known than others, but no less dedicated, who are motivated by the dream that peace in our time can be attained, enjoyed and maintained.
And so, as I leave today for this colloquium in Vancouver for and on behalf of the movement of peace building, I request for prayers that the cause of peace will continue to be pursued relentlessly for the sake of our generation and the generation of our children.
My dream for peace is founded upon the verse from Peter quoted above and inspired by the lines, “And the world will be better for this, when one man scorned and covered with scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach that unreachable star.”
