A time for prayer is a time for God. It is a time to reach out to the Creator of heaven and earth. It is a time to listen to God’s never ending call with the purity and simplicity of our hearts. It is a time to rise above ourselves, to go beyond the limits of reason so that we may begin to have the courage to make the leap of faith.

This must have been the message received by a great military officer who was blessed by God to command the Allied Forces during the landing at Normandy that finally led to the collapse of a regime of cruelty and hate. He called the American leaders in the three branches of government to a prayer meeting to seek help and wisdom from God. It was a reaffirmation of the famous motto – "In God We Trust."

The ripple that began with a historic spiritual reawakening has resonated to many parts of the world.

That first prayer breakfast meeting in Washington D.C. underscored the need to call on God for his blessing and guidance in carrying out the solemn responsibility of leadership. Leaders, be they elected or appointed, are mere stewards of God. They are also entrusted with the mission to be shepherds to his flock.

We can accomplish so much. For all our combined efforts, talents and energies, we can only go so far. We can only reach the limits of our capabilities. It is only when God is with us can nothing ever be against us. Without God, nothing is possible. With God, everything is possible. This is the testimony of those who have made God the center of their lives.

On the basis of this reflection, I begin to understand why the Philippines, in spite of its claim to be the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia, remains as fragmented as ever and continues to carry the heavy burden of poverty and injustice.

Administrations have come and gone. Various policies and programs have been tried to bring the country closer to our dream of the Promised Land. But the goal has eluded us. Little do we realize that the idea of the Promised Land as mentioned in the Bible can only come from God. The Promised Land is given to the people who earnestly pray for it.

In times of suffering when too many do not even enjoy the basic necessities of life, there are those who ask for God and look for the manifestation or hint of His presence. Where is God in a world that is unjust where the rich get richer and the poor become poorer? Where is God when there is terror and violence? Where is God for those with terminal illness, for the homeless, the jobless and the outcasts of society?

The question that needs resolution is – are we really with God?

What are the signs that we are with God? Do we give witness to the underlying message of the life and teachings of Christ?

To what extent have we internalized the meaning of the Christian faith in our lives – in our thoughts, words, choices and deeds?

What then is the signature character of Christ, which when reflected by another gives him the distinguishing mark of a Christian? Is it not a love/ that has no condition?

I prefer to focus on love as the central attribute of God. It is something we experience in our hearts as we let go of our fears, prejudices and insecurities. Indeed, God is love. And this truth is given clarity, depth and texture in the life of Christ.

To many of us, the reality of Christ is what God’s love is all about. At the deepest level, Christianity is a journey of love. If we have the love of Christ in our hearts, we must pass it on so that it may also touch the hearts of many of our brothers and sisters.

As a great lyricist put it beautifully, "A song is not a song until you sing it. A bell is no bell until you ring it. And love in your heart isn’t put there to stay. Love is not love till you give it away."

A public official can give concrete expression to his love for Christ by translating that love into a continuing commitment to be a leader for others.

Public service will remain a slogan unless it is rooted in the love for Christ. It is only when those in government begin to see the face of Christ in every Filipino. With a purity of heart can there be a burning desire to serve and serve more. Leaders become servants because they see themselves as stewards and shepherds. A Christ-centered governance develops servant-leaders.

Perhaps the best living proof of the transformative and the healing power of a Christ-inspired love is the fraternal embrace extended by Nelson Mandela to those who imprisoned him for 27 years. Mandela was jailed for his strong advocacy of racial equality in his country. When he was freed he healed the wounds of hatred and injustice. He rose above resentment, bitterness and vindictiveness so that his country could have a new beginning.

Mandela was so loved by his countrymen that he could have been reelected had he so wished. But he is his people’s servant. He handed political power to somebody else. He did not have to hold on to his position to have power. His moral ascendancy comes from the power of his love. He has served his people well.

In conclusion, let me tell the Parable of the Pencilmaker.

One day, all the pencils made by the greatest pencilmaker met together to plan a testimonial to him. When the day came to honor the pencilmaker, the representative of the pencils asked him for words of wisdom.

And so the pencilmaker obliged. These were his words.

• Always remember that what is most important is what is inside you.

• You have the power to erase the mistakes you have made.

• You become better each time you go through sharpening.

• Allow yourselves to be used by the hand that holds you.

(Remarks at the Philippine National Prayer Breakfast, Manila Hotel, Jan. 24)