ollowing the Tsunami of Dec. 26 2004, that hit Southeast Asia, and after the earthquake of March 28 2005 which caused enormous disasters in Nias Island, I’ve got
flooded by many emails and phone calls. Many requested news and asked many questions on the ways of helping the victims. I found myself being the “in-between person” of the diocese of Sibolga for the help afforded by many individuals and associations from the world over.
The work was abundant! I was even tempted to leave everything behind, and go back to my ordinary service, but I thank God
for helping me through this. I realize today that the Lord helped me understand many things. In a corner of my soul, almost like a whisper, I could hear a voice speaking on how I would learn many things from many generous people, and that I should also give my generous contribution, no matter the sacrifice.
The feeling of being abandoned can be won only with our loving presence. Love itself gives birth to hope. And our material help becomes more complete if it is given with a loving heart.
I was at Nias Island soon after the earthquake. With my faithful motorcycle I could reach the small villages that suffered much damage. I searched for victims in the midst of the disaster; I thought long and hard in front of the destroyed homes, the same homes that welcomed us in the past for prayer meetings and for catechism classes. I saw many needs. We discussed with the local priests on how to best show our support. But the most important thing, dear to my heart,
was the loneliness of the people, their sense of resignation, their hopelessness.
“Father, I am alone now… and I have nothing to live on… I don’t have the courage to begin again… What will be of my family, my children?” And they would cry on my shoulders, hanging on to me. I
had no words for them, and I would let them express their grief. I would just keep their hands in mine. In that moment, I knew that the Lord had asked me to be there in their midst, simply present, with no words, with no projects or means of help.
In suffering and in tragedy, the cry of Jesus on the cross is lifted up to the Heavens:
"My God, why have you abandoned me?” And we were present to bring compassion, to understand together, and to show love. Like Mary and John under the cross of Jesus, we could do little, actually nothing, near the face of death.
Yet, the feeling of being abandoned can be won only with our loving presence. Love itself gives birth to hope. And our material help becomes more complete if it is given with a loving heart. If a person accepts help, it’s not humiliation, but a brother or sister we love. Once again, you experience the belief that God is Father of all, and we are meant to help each other as sisters and brothers.
I went back to Nias Island for the occasion of All Saints Feast and Commemoration of All Souls in early November. We prayed together. We talked about those who are in God’s hands. We shared how Jesus promised Resurrection, a new heaven and a new Earth, where there are no tears…
This is what I learned in this tragic year, following the Tsunami and Nias Earthquake. Someone built a Nativity Scene in the Emergency Tent in Nias. The Midnight Mass followed under a huge tent, in front of the Church destroyed by the earthquake. Few lights and less decorations, almost like the First Christmas. A few clothes, and some gifts of shepherds; but the Manger had the form of a human heart, and the warmth of the family
gathered together.
O Lord, we ask you with all our hearts: May your angels sing for us today “Peace to all whom God loves.”
(From Xaverian News)