‘Don’t be a Judas, shun wealth idolatry’
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle yesterday called on the Filipino faithful to avoid idolatry of wealth.
In his Holy Wednesday mass held at the impoverished Parola compound in Tondo, Manila, the head of the nation’s Catholic hierarchy likened the obsession with wealth to betrayal – similar to what disciple Judas Iscariot did to Jesus Christ.
“I hope that our generation will stop this kind of betrayal wherein people are sold for materials and money,” Tagle said in his homily.
The cardinal asked the faithful not to fall prey to the allure of money at the expense of someone’s dignity, citing how the 30 silver coins lured Judas into betraying Jesus.
He lamented that wealth oftentimes hides behind good intentions.
Tagle stressed that character – not money – make a person truly rich.
He lamented that many wealthy people are impoverished in character.
“In the end your character is your true wealth and it’s priceless,” the cardinal pointed out.
After the mass, the cardinal joined the residents and a group of parish volunteers for lunch in a makeshift tent built beside the Pasig River.
Tagle last visited the area in 2015 after a large fire swept through the community.
In the Catholic faith, Wednesday of the Holy Week or Spy Wednesday is marked by the betrayal by Judas Iscariot of Jesus Christ.
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