Kakampi Mo Ang Batas
By Atty. Batas Mauricio
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men…” –Romans 1:26-27
The mystery of the “un-nok” on the Cagayan River is a story from Edna Clavita Cababa, a client of mine from Aparri, Cagayan. It tells the story of a shellfish, locally known as “un-nok” or “balinggasa.” According to Cababa, this type of shellfish is only harvested along the banks of the Cagayan River in the town of Lallo.
She said un-nok was plentiful around 10 to 15 years ago, serving as a major source of livelihood for locals; however, now, they can hardly be found. It was all if all the un-nok made themselves scarce, or even extinct, from the river.
Why did this happen?
Cababa said there was a time when those who ate un-nok suffered from “bum stomach.” It appeared they had come down with dysentery. Residents blamed the local shellfish and gathered every one they could find and burned them on a hill.
Since then, no un-nok ever appeared in the river.
Un-nok and its message to Cagayan and the world
What is the story/s message? Whatever mankind is eating, be it from the sea, the soil, or the air, should be cause for great thanksgiving. All of these creatures were created from God’s goodness and His great love.
If, for any reason, these food sources contribute to sickness, ailment, or other problem, the best option would be to refrain from harvesting or eating them in the meantime. It is not good to burn, destroy, or curse them. Man should not forget, everything he is eating or partaking in came from the beneficence of God; for which man should be grateful.
As Ephesians 5:20 says, “We must always give thanks to God for all things.” This Biblical verse also establishes the rule that we must always thank God, in the name of Jesus. This way, we recognize God and His great love and power over.
Man’s refusal to recognize God bringing curses
A problem with most Filipinos (an even clearer aspect among other nationalities around the world) is an inability to recognize God. In their minds, hearts, souls, and spirits, many men and women have been rejecting the fact that everything in this world, including each one of them, are all mere creations of God.
With this refusal to recognize God and His commandments, mortals are left to wallow in sin, evil thoughts, and desires of the flesh. God allowed people to become depraved, enjoy perversions of women-to-women relationships and men-to-men relationships and shunning the natural relations God instituted from the beginning of time.
Evil has become the controlling factor in the minds of many. There is no more hesitation to engage in corruption, moral depravity, and dastardly behavior.
This is unfortunate because it brings nothing but suffering, dissension, and rebuke in everything they do.
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If anyone would like to ask me questions about the burning issues of the day, what we have discussed here, or to consult on a problem, please call 0917-984-2468, email at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!