Going across to the other side is so dangerous because you never know the place, culture, social as well as the people. When you are crossing to the other side, we need to consider many factors, such as whether you will assimilate their culture, adapt their lifestyle, and look for peers. To be able to accept those, you need to become flexible in being able to accept those factors.
In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches another lesson to his disciples and his followers. Going across to the other side is not easy for them because the Jews have feared crossing to the other side. According to Jewish belief, any form of body of water is considered chaotic in nature. Biblically, the creation mentioned the body of water at the onset of the creation, in which the sea manifests as a chaotic place (Genesis 1:2b). In that sense, going across to the other side by way of water is dangerous for them. Theologically, going across to the other side is not safe because it has so many difficulties to encounter. Further, we need to learn how to overcome many difficulties in crossing to the other side through the guidance of God. This is the method by which Jesus reiterated to us. In a simple way, going to the other side is a decision that requires us to consult God first because we never control everything when making such a difficult decision.
Aside from taking a difficult decision, going to the other side, as I mentioned earlier, is not an easy way because there is a windstorm and/or obstacle. There are numerous obstacles to cross to the other side. An example of it, you need to assimilate the culture of the other side. Assimilating the culture of the other side is a shocking moment for us. That’s why His disciples and followers were afraid when they were in the middle of the sea, crossing to the other side, because once they reached the other side, they could not control everything. They will be influenced to adopt the culture, accept the beliefs uncritically, and acquire the social lifestyle of the other side. Inasmuch, they need Jesus immediately to provide guidance to overcome those fears.
This biblical experience was observed by many Filipinos when they were going to other places, both locally and abroad. They are brave enough to look for opportunity anywhere, and they owe everything, including their fate, to God. Whatever happens to them migrating to another place, God will take care of them. Aside from being equipped with skills, they are carrying faith in God as their personal weapon. Many Filipinos, particularly those working abroad, believe that God will provide them with shelter, work, and good health while they are away from their relatives.
In contrast, our politicians have no sense of dealing with this concept. Seemingly, they always cross to the other side for their personal interests, such as maintaining power, acquiring more authority, and spreading their influence to other people geographically. Politically, this is known as turncoatism; whoever is in power or in the majority, they follow the leader without considering their principles, the mandate of their constituents, or loyalty to their previous political affiliation.
The spirituality of many Filipinos, particularly those who are working in other countries, is immeasurable. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), especially our domestic helpers, are scattered around the world as modern slaves, contributing billions of pesos to our economy; however, some of them are still unattended by the government.
In this way, we need to recognize them as modern heroes of faith because they set aside the fears of living on the other side and face many difficulties, problems, and other uncertainties about being far away from their relatives. With God’s guidance, they learn how God extends throughout their lives and continue leading and directing them till the ends (Psalm 48:14). And the assurance of God among them never fails in times of tragedies, ironies, and misgivings.
We pray for all Filipinos who went across to the other side.
