Following Jesus into the hard places

On Saturday Night (just been) a horrific tragedy happened in the Slum I am going into, over 200 families lost their homes due to a fire which ripped through. This is a fear which they have to live with everyday of their life. The only media coverage of this would seem to be the following small article! Where is the justice, what have these people done to deserve this? Reading other articles around I see their was another fire in Quezon City (City this Slum is in) where over 250 homes burnt down earlier this year... it is a regular thing.

When we see our own life here in paradise as being hard, is it really so bad even on our worst of days? What should our response be from our privilege?

My landlords home (not the one I am living in!) was also burnt down, what a cost to live with the poor and they have lost everything. On reflection following Jesus into the hard places of the world seems not so appealing!

Bed-ridden man killed in Quezon City fire
By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:04:00 06/27/2009

MANILA, Philippines--A bed-ridden man died in fire which razed more than a hundred homes in a slum area in Quezon City early Saturday.

Arson investigators identified the lone fatality as Cesar Arabella, 58, whose remains were severely charred as he was trapped inside his residence on Rose St. San Roque II, in the village of Bagong Pag Asa.

The blaze began at around 1:12 a.m., eating up more than a hundred houses and leaving around 200 families homeless, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Damages was initially estimated at P10 million.

Looking at his disciples, he said:"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Luke 6:20-21