Sometimes people are in prison even when they’re not in jail - Daily Bible Reflections February 23,2015

PRISON MINISTRY

“I was in prison, and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:36

       I consider it a blessing that, as part of my job as the top Philippine diplomat in the United Arab Emirates, I am able to visit our compatriots who are serving sentences for immoral, financial and other crimes.

       As part of the relationships that we established with friendly Emirati officials when I was assigned in the UAE before, Philippine officials are always welcome to visit during diplomatic visitation days. They allow me to bring along the bishop and priests to give counseling and sometimes hear the confessions of our compatriots and other Catholic prisoners.

       Recently, I got a call from a Filipino asking the embassy and the community to give them support while they’re in jail. In the spirit of bayanihan (collective heroism for a common cause), I promised to continue exhorting our financially able overseas Filipinos to extend aid to them.

       It’s easy to be complacent when life is good. But the Lord reminds us that there are many others who languish in unfortunate circumstances. In our blessedness, let’s not forget those who need God’s touch and presence through us. Grace R. Princesa (grprincesa@yahoo.com)

Reflection: Sometimes people are in prison even when they’re not in jail.

Lord, help us to “visit” and extend compassion to our brethren who are not just inside prison cells but may also be imprisoned inside their hurts, pains and sins.

St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr, pray for us.