Kakampi Mo Ang Batas
Atty. Batas Mauricio
“…Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus…” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
My personal account of today’s subject matter can be taken from experience. Following my efforts to help a family from Obando, Bulacan in 2004, I was sued 70 times for criminal libel, which resulted in my being suspended from practicing law for three years. At that time, it felt like the bitterest event in my life and in my family’s life. Notwithstanding, I found myself crying out to God, asking Him what He truly wanted for me.
After 14 years, in 2018, I saw what had happened were all a necessary prelude for what I was being asked to do. Not only did all of the cases come to a mutually-acceptable resolution, which led to their respective dismissal; more importantly, this episode in my life allowed for the establishment of a Christian church, with the primary objectives of preaching and saving souls through Jesus.
The Children of God Blood Kin of the Christ Church, or the Simbahang Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo (AND KNK) may not be comparable yet in size or power with other churches in the country, but God has already impressed upon the collective consciousness of its growing membership they have already received His anointing.
Indeed, during my suspension, AND KNK slowly found its bearings. I can, now, say it was good I was suspended, otherwise, I would not have found the work God had prepared for me.
Can a person do something to “be careful” or to “take care” of themselves?
Once in a while, when I am not doing anything important and am simply whiling the time away (especially when I am waiting for court hearings to start or a plane to take off), I derive amusement from closely observing things happening around me; convinced that much of what is being depicted before me are the colorful aspects of Filipino life.
For example, I overheard a conversation between a security guard and an old man last week in front of the Hall of Justice in Diliman, Quezon City. As they finished their exchange, the guard told the man, “Be careful” – a statement frequently used by Filipinos as a way of saying “take care.”
I got to thinking about it, particularly with every instance of hearing somebody say the phrase, can anybody really do something to “be careful” or “take care?” Does anyone have the power to prevent things that are already slated to occur based on God’s will?
Accept whatever happens, they are usually ‘blessings in disguise’
If we think about this more seriously, it should not be difficult to understand that man does not have the capability to stop events that have been mandated by God. It is said, anything God has willed to happen will happen and there is nobody that can stop it. It is for this reason why there is nothing we can really do but to accept things as they happen.
Aside from merely accepting things as they happen, it would also do us well to thank God (even if we perceive such events as not serving us in the best way). God’s thoughts are much higher than ours and His ways are far superior to ours. This is why, despite some occasions being harmful or detrimental to us or our loved ones, they turn out to be “blessings in disguise.” The moments we believe to be grave problems, at the appointed period, turn out to be God’s way of preparing us for something much more beneficial.
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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!/WDJ