This Sunday the world may know who will stand as the winner in “The Dream Match” between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar dela Hoya. This is a fight that will unite Filipinos as a nation. Likewise Mexicans are proud also to stand behind the Mexican-American boxer, Golden Boy dela Hoya. They are both good fighters, they are both highly motivated to win, and they are both earning millions of dollars in this match.
For Oscar de la Hoya to win he must make good his promise of tagging the Pacman with jabs in the first five rounds. If not, he will be added to a long list of boxers who were sent to kiss the canvas by the powerful combinations of the Filipino boxer. And for Pacquiao to win he should be able to survive the first five rounds evading dela Hoya’s powerful jabs. Prolonged fighting may weaken dela Hoya’s powerful jabs, tiring him too to become sluggish thus and easy target for the Pacman.
What matters in boxing is not only physical power, training, and physical conditioning. It is faith and intelligence. Both fighters are best known for using their intelligence in every boxing match. But for the one to win, he should execute improved boxing skills, speed, jabs, best fight forms and techniques, and the will power to prevail upon his opponent.
As children of God, we are also instructed by the “Lord to fight a good fight of the faith.” In the battle between good and evil, we have to put on the armor of faith to win. The good should triumph against evil when we fight for the truth. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
Persons who accept positions of power and importance in this world must also accept the obligations and responsibilities that go with them.
There must be a conflict with corruption, and temptations, and the powers of darkness. Eternal life is the crown proposed for our encouragement. We are called to lay hold thereon. To the rich must especially be pointed out their dangers and duties, as to the proper use of wealth. But who can give such a charge, that is not himself above the love of things that wealth can buy? (Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary )
Filipinos today are fighting two battle fronts, whether to fight against corruption or to just let it go. Independent surveys show how much Filipinos are already tired of corruption, tired of corrupt leaders, and tired of politicians who continually use their power and mess up with government funds and resources. But what is tragic, they casually detach themselves from calls to fight against corruption and sustained efforts to search for truth and justice. They just got tired from joining peaceful rallies to fight for the truth and get rid of corruption in the government.
Unfortunately this is not what a Christian should be. Christians should denounce immoral acts; fight for something that is righteous; and seek for justice and reform in the government to promote the welfare and interest of his own people.
At least being an advocate for truth and justice we could always say when time comes “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.
KLINIKA BOBONYO @ your service 