Pondo ng Pinoy (PnP), a movement spearheaded by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales for the Archdiocese of Manila, takes its inspiration from the Gospel for today. Its working principle is, “Whatever is good, no matter how small, if done regularly, will lead to salvation!” (“Anumang magaling, kahit maliit, basta’t malimit, ay patungong langit!”) It was meant to help the poor and to encourage the people to do good on a regular basis. In a way, it has a national and secular character vis-a-vis a spiritual goal.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man presents clarifications about our faith. First, heaven is available to everyone who does good. Second, riches do not automatically disqualify one from entering heaven, in the same way that poverty does not assure one of attaining eternal life. Third, post-earthly life is a reality. And fourth, small deeds matter a lot before God. In the Gospel (Luke 16:19-31, had the rich man shared even just the scraps of his food, it would have increased his chances of attaining eternal life. If the rich man was generous enough to give to the poor, no matter how little, he would have found favor with God. And if he did it again and again to become a habit, he would have been capable of more goodness. But the poor man maintained his dignity and goodness in spite of his poverty. He did not use it to commit a wrong deed against the rich man or anybody. He endured his suffering without inflicting the same to anyone, and he was rewarded for that.
With the pouring in of Pondo ng Pinoy cans filled with 25-centavo (or more) coins, it gives a strong sign that people are indeed lovers of goodness. Of course, goodness is not just defined by 25 centavos. We can be creative in doing good every day.
Flooding the world with goodness should drown evil. Get into the habit of doing good and do not allow yourself to give in to the seduction of evil.
REFLECTION QUESTION: What little thing can you do every day that could flood your world and the people in it with goodness?
