| Becoming a good Samaritan |
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 John Rawls, a philosopher of the modern era, once explained that it is on the period of “astonishment” that a person or group of person’s natural character reveals itself in the open. Rawls defined astonishment as a period in life when a novel situation is suddenly presented to you; you are caught unaware; and, you don’t know anything else to do except to react in the most natural way.An example of astonishment perhaps is when a seemingly “macho” guy is attacked by a pest and shouts, “Ay, ipis!”, to the surprise of many – revealing his innermost, hidden character. The novel astonishing situation becomes a revolt for a person to reveal himself as he truly is. But kidding aside, astonishment is best explained with the story of the good Samaritan when a novel, uncomfortable situation suddenly looms in front of him. Many times the person robbed and mugged by thieves was disregarded by persons of authority when they pass by him. Siyempre, bakit ba naman tutulungan ng pari (Pharisee) at ng abogado (Scribe) ang isang taong duguan, eh baka madumihan pa ang kanilang damit at wala namang ibang nakakakita sa kanilang gagawing kabutihan? But for the good Samaritan, the novel situation becomes a chance for him to reveal who he truly is even without recognition, and without applause from other people. It is a revolt to be of service when nothing is expected in return. The good Samaritan’s astonishment was a revelation of his true character, of his purpose to be of service to everyone regardless of race, class or gender. Remember, Samaritans and Jews are of different races – races who treat each other as “enemies”. The year that was, I should say, was a period of astonishment for Rotary Club of Dagupan East. It was a chance for everyone to recollect and re-examine the old glories in order to transcend and become a better club – perhaps even becoming the best. The period became a revelation of the visions of persons what the Rotary Club of Dagupan East should become in the next years to come. With the new Rotary year looming in the open, it is for certain that the re-examination of experiences and the revisit of RCDE’s vision brought about by the period of astonishment will bring Rotary Club of Dagupan East to greater heights. On a personal level, the good Samaritan’s experience of astonishment poses a challenge to all of us… |
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