8 October 2025 – Pause & Pray

Every Wednesday, we invite you to pause and pray with us. Today’s Pause & Pray is written and curated by Camille Bianca Sumera Manangan.

Images: grabbed from Leyte Samar Daily Express

When Waters Rise

There is a recent issue about flood control projects in the Philippines that has become the subject of our country’s Senate investigation. Reports say that a billion-peso corruption scheme may be involved, raising serious concerns about how public money is being used to fund lavish lifestyles for politicians and Government employees, while Filipinos suffer. These projects were meant to protect lives and homes, yet floods continue to happen everywhere, putting families in danger and washing away years of their hard work. What makes it worse is that there seems to be no accountability for the misuse of funds and no clear answers for the people who suffer the most- The Filipino People.

It’s sad to see how greed and dishonesty can harm so many and it’s heartbreaking to know that when waters rise we are even being pulled down to drown. But in times like this, God reminds us that we can do something and we can speak up because silence only allows injustice to grow. We are called not just to hope, but to act, to stand up, to speak the truth, and to call for change. Standing up for justice is part of our faith. It means choosing honesty when it’s easier to look away, and courage when fear tells us to stay quiet.

True “justice” begins when all of us work together with integrity and care for one another and in our world. God’s justice calls us to rebuild not only institutions, structures, and organizations but more importantly our hearts and hope that long for a better world. Each time we demand fairness, tell and seek the truth, or refuse to take part in corruption, we become part of the change our world needs. Justice becomes real when people stand side by side for what is right and fair for all.

Us, as people of God, and wherever we are from, can and have the capacity to advocate for those who are experiencing injustice in our society. To seek justice is to create small change that leads to bigger change.

May we keep believing that one day, every flood control wall, every public project, and every act of service by people in authority, specially people in our Governments, will be built with honesty, accountability, and love for the people it is meant to protect.

Pray

God of truth and justice, we pray for our world and for those who suffer because of floods and broken systems.
Bring comfort to the families in danger, and strength to the hearts that have lost hope.
Guide our leaders to act with honesty and compassion. Give courage to those who stand for justice and truth, even when it is difficult.
Help us to be brave, to speak up, and to work for change in our Government and our communities.
May Your righteousness flow through us, so that our world may be rebuilt on trust, care, and love. Amen.