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Opinion

The trees, the cross, Palm Sunday, and bikes

PERSPECTIVE - Cherry Piquero Ballescas - The Freeman

The mystery behind the missing trees is getting more intriguing. Many are asking if the report is true, that Cebu City Mayor Rama and Councilor Dave Tumulak are not releasing the CCTV footage unless some conditions are met. What could be the reason/s for their decision? People are now speculating if they are defending WT Construction and if they are or are not concerned about the trees and the environment?

Palm Sunday reminds us all about our Lord Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross in order to redeem and restore us all back to God our Father. Did it cross your mind that Jesus was nailed to a cross and that cross came from a tree cut by mortals to crucify God? What a timely coincidence to be reminded that trees are not meant to be cut, much less to be cut to be made into a cross to hurt and kill!

Politicians and the tree cutters may wish to reflect more seriously, more deeply this Holy Week, on the meaning of  the missing trees. Is preserving God's earth, God's creation less important than human power, patronage, and privilege? Is it better for humans to serve God or mammon? Is it better for human leaders to allow trees to be cut and to be lost to serve certain interests over God and His people? 

Should trees be allowed to be crosses rather than be shield for all?

This last question is a question for all.

God created the trees, not only for people, not only for this city but for the whole world. Perhaps, after all, there is a spiritual, deeper dimension and message the Lord had for all through this case of the missing trees?

God never sleeps and sees all and sees through each one's hearts. The truth will come out, despite obstacles and delays. God's justice is always on time too and so, in due time, in God's own time and will, the full truth about this drama of the missing trees will be revealed.

All those who love God and His creations may wish to offer special prayers this Holy Week for the missing trees to be found and the culprits rendered human and divine justice soonest?

April 13 this year is not only a special thanksgiving day for our family with God gifting us with our dear lovely Aiko. April 13 this year is Palm Sunday, a festive welcome for Christ our  Savior, a thanksgiving day because God gifted us with His love, with His son and His great sacrifice on the cross so that we will all be saved and be reunited with God in His Kingdom!!!

Let us wave our palm leaves joyfully and let us always remember to thank God for His immeasurable love for us all, sharing with us His son who obediently and lovingly conquered the cross that all of us may live forever!

You may also wish to wave your palm leaves happily as you join all others bike their way through the streets of Cebu City, also this Sunday, April 13.

Edna Lee shared that the Psychology Volunteers on Bikes is organizing Tindak Sugbo Season 2 with 10 Themed Bike Rides in Cebu to promote the bike as a weapon for climate change mitigation and to support the Tindak Sugbo bike lanes ordinance in Cebu authored by Environment Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera.

The first bike ride called Tindak Sugbo: Suroy sa Barangay will be held this Sunday, April 13, as it is the first year anniversary of the group.

It is a 15-kilometer bike ride through eight city barangays and riders will be distributing informational flyers regarding the upcoming bike lanes. The activity will also be an opportunity to document the behavior or drivers towards bikers in the street.

All are invited to join this ride, especially the various bike groups. Assembly point is at the Mayflower Inn, beside the Capitol Building-Villalon Drive corner N. Escario Road, near the tricycle stop to Opra.

Not only will you enjoy the ride with bike enthusiasts and eco-lovers. Free lugaw will be served! Join the rides and collect the 10 spoke cards that will be distributed at the end of each ride. Aside from the exercise and happy company, you can also learn more about Cebu City barangays from atop your bikes!

You can also add the spiritual dimension by bringing and waving your palm leaves to celebrate Palm Sunday! And do please remember to say a silent prayer for our missing trees to be found and the truth to be revealed and justice served!!!

***

Email:[email protected]

 

BIKE

CEBU

CEBU CITY

CEBU CITY MAYOR RAMA AND COUNCILOR DAVE TUMULAK

CROSS

GOD

GOD AND HIS

HOLY WEEK

PALM SUNDAY

TINDAK SUGBO

TREES

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