Flaviano Yengko was one of the
youngest generals during the Philippine Revolution. In the beginning, he did
not want to take part in the fight (revolution). However, the father of the
young woman he loved was inclined toward Yengko’s rival, who had distinguished
himself with his serenity and energy in several battles. Yengko decided then to
show that he was man enough to fight for a great cause too. He joined Aguinaldo’s
revolutionary army and he bravely fought in the Battle of Binakayan. But in the
Battle of Salitran, he was fatally wounded. He was immediately brought to a
hospital where he was nursed by his sweetheart. At that point, he finally earned
the respect of the girl’s father. Yet, his love for the girl was not able to
save him from imminent death. He was the youngest general who died in combat being
at the age of 22.
The story of Yengko is not just
about patriotism, but also how he loved a woman. In love, it is not just about
sharing one’s life with the other but taking all the risks too for the sake of
the other. In love, one says to the other that he or she is willing to give his
or her blood for the latter. This kind of love and even far better than this
kind is found in God. From the Bible, we learn that Jesus poured out His blood
as a sacrifice for our sins. Not only that, Jesus also offered His body to
establish the covenant between God and His people. Even before all these
actually took place while Jesus was on the cross, He already offered His body
and blood during the last supper. In Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26, it is said, “While
they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them,
and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave
it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of
the covenant, which will be shed for many.” The said covenant is a covenant of
love. God has showed us that His love is greater than the greatest sin of man. His
love for us can save us from death as Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin
is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity
of Corpus Christi, we are reminded that the celebration of the Holy Eucharist
is a celebration of love. It reminds us that God does not only want to share
His life with us but He is also willing to take the risks to love us. God offers
His love for us through giving us the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The risk lies in our decision whether to receive or to reject His offer. If we
can appreciate the tragic love story of Yengko and of others, then why should
we ignore the love that God has offered to us?
