Yesterday morning I was so thrilled when I rushed to check the news on the Internet that the first of the 33 Chilean miners trapped 69 days – 10 weeks – was finally rescued! I am sure every human being across the world who had followed this incredible saga rejoiced at this wonderful, miraculous news!
This inspiring story of faith and hope is a lesson to all of us about unity, teamwork and most of all, one of trust in God. As the second rescued miner, Mario Sepulveda, 40, so poignantly admitted: "I have been with God and with the devil. I fought between the two. I seized the hand of God, it was the best hand. I always knew God would get us out of there."I cannot imagine the tremendous emotion each miner, his family, the rescuers and the whole nation of Chile is experiencing now as they celebrate the success of this meticulously planned ongoing rescue operation.
For each of the 33 miners, it must be like being born again! They were trapped under tons of rocks and earth 625 meters below - the distance of a half-mile or twice the height of Eiffel Tower! The conditions were terrible as they survived in a pitch dark, extremely hot and humid mine. The miners showed great grace through their close-knit solidarity and unity which is what kept them all alive and in good spirits.
The Internet, TV and newspapers often seem filled with negative and gloomy news. It is a great joy to read and view the jubilant celebrations of the “new” life of these miners. As I write, I am reading the news that the 19th miner, Omar Reygadas, 56, falls to his knees clutching his bible upon being rescued. I give thanks to God and pray for the safe rescue of the remaining 14 miners!
Chilean President Sebastian Pinera eloquently said in words what millions of people all over the world are feeling when he said that “the rescue operation was ‘without comparison in the history of humanity’ and that the entire country had learned from the miners ‘the value of faith and of hope, the value of comradeship and solidarity.’”
The 33 miners have taught the entire world a beautiful lesson in living.
The 33 miners have taught the entire world a beautiful lesson in living.
For now, let us all rejoice in this heart-stirring miracle!
“Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment.”
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) - Emperor Of France
It has been a real experience of faith, hope and joy... but... a slight anomaly!!!!
ReplyDeleteChile has suffered under a severe dictatorial regime.... which was subsequently done away with... yet the atrocities continue... in other alternative reports we read of the plight of the poor citizens... people like you and me... and even as we rejoice for the safe rescue of the trapped miners... our hearts ought to reach out to the others who thus far have no voice, no media to highlight their plight...
Let the Saving grace continue!!
Totally agree, Father! Why we cannot remain indifferent and turn away from those who have no voice...Hopefully the moment of grace becames a life of grace for everyone.
ReplyDelete