Ordinary People, Extraordinary Work

One of the most damaging misconceptions we may form due to the hectic pace of modern living is that everything we do must be extraordinary. There is much to be said about the truly singular, as many of us have experienced over the past month: our countrymen's outpouring of generosity and goodwill to those in need will forever be etched in my mind as proof positive that the Filipino is worth dying for.

However, strictly speaking, charity is not simply about making grand gestures in the spirit of sincere sentiment. As one gleans from reading Caritas in veritate, charity bereft of truth may degenerate to mere sentimentality. And while sentimental love songs, in my experience, may soothe away a lonely night, only constant experiences of ordinary love can kiss away a lifetime spent alone.

Mother Theresa once said, "Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."

What we need is to get some dirt under our fingernails and start the long, at times lonely, but eventually rewarding task of rebuilding. There is much to be said as well about the sanctifying anonymity of work, as many of us have experienced over the past month: our countrymen's willingness, regardless of social status or educational attainment, to volunteer in relief centers and relief missions that attended to those in need will forever be etched in my mind as proof positive that the Filipino is worth living for.

Megatent Relief Center is proud to have participated in a medical mission in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig. I would list all the people who were instrumental in making the medical mission a success, but I don't have the bandwidth. The mission was conducted in cooperation with Pasig City Hall and generous sponsors whose generosity is exceeded only by their desire to remain anonymous. Thanks to these generous souls, 7,000 people received medical attention and were given access to proper medication. More importantly, 7,000 souls received the reassurance that perfectly ordinary people, much like themselves, still cared.

We're still open, friends. More importantly, we're open to anyone who can suggest more sustainable, long-term activities to help our less fortunate countrymen start rebuilding their lives. And we promise, we won't get tired of helping those in need.

Credits:

Quote attributed to Mother Therese comes from goodreads.