The Unrepentant

CTALK

- CITO BELTRAN

I almost did not write a column for today, given my shock and mixed feelings about the "extradition" or "kidnapping" of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

With so many ideas and sentiments rushing through my mind I opted to be the last, not rush to comment, and wait until all the "players" showed their cards. As they say, prudence is a virtue.

As it turned out, "cooperated with Interpol" was actually premeditated, the missing Warrant of Arrest had indeed been issued about a week ago but kept confidential by ICC, Interpol and Malacañang.

After praying about it, I was reminded of a parable in the Bible, Chapter 18 of the book of Matthew, that highlights the parable of the Unforgiving Servant where Jesus teaches us about compassion, gratitude, wickedness and retribution.

23 Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he began to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him saying, "Master, have patience with me and I will pay you all."

27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying "Pay me what you owe."