CHINESE BLESSINGS

A Jesuit priest once told me the reason why the Chinese people are blessed in health and wealth. These people are mainly unbaptized Christians when they came to our islands. Almost all are uneducated by Western Standard. It's amazing to note that the Chinese people living outside China is worth US$30 billion in landholdings and properties combined.

Their plight from rags to riches, peddlers to tycoons,are just one of the amazing stories told. In such a short time, China too has awakened to become the world's fastest economy. Only the U.S. still leading in economy and military power.

Amazed by these development, I tried to find the answer why. My friend a Jesuit missionary and an Ateneo administrator satisfied my thirst for answer. He explained to me that unlike other races, the Chinese people value much their family. They love their parents. They respect and honor them even their ancestors. This is the only commandment with a promise.

Jesus,once told his disciples that if you follow the commandment even if you do not know the Law, you shall be rewarded. If you know the Law, yet do not follow it, your punishment is much graver than the one who doesn't know. The fourth commandment is with a promise.

"Honor your father and mother and you shall have long life and prosper in the land."