Was Jesus a victim of fake news?
It was Palm Sunday last Sunday and the Gospel was about the Passion of Jesus Christ. The story starts with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem and ends with his crucifixion and death. It must be the most powerful narrative that we have been told, heard, or seen in movies, and especially so for the millions of Christians who believe in Jesus Christ, be they Catholics or other denominations. Relating and reflecting this story against the backdrop of current world and national events gives it more relevance and a sense of déjà vu that the issues of truth and injustice are to hound mankind for a long time. The Passion has the elements of fake news, influence of the powerful, fair trial, and human rights.
The triumphant entry of Jesus was preceded by his reputation of miracles, healings and teachings. The Sanhedrin priests and Pharisees were envious of Jesus and suspicious of his undermining their authority, so they plotted by spreading fake news about him to the authorities and to the people in Jerusalem. They succeeded in getting an arrest order from the Sanhedrin (High Court). The betrayal of Judas, who identified him with a kiss, led to the arrest. There is no mention of the validity of the arrest warrant, but Jesus was actually tried twice. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas as Jesus was a Galilean and therefore under his jurisdiction. As Jesus had no counsel/lawyer, nobody questioned the jurisdiction, but Herod was not keen on a trial so he sent Jesus back to Pontius Pilate. Pilate was not really convinced of the guilt of Jesus so he asked the attending public to choose between Jesus and Barabbas as it was his prerogative to free one of them. The segued public, which by that time had been inundated with fake news and had become a mob wanting blood, chanted for Barabbas to be freed. Then, there was the scourging at the pillar, the crowning of thorns, the carrying of the cross, and the crucifixion. Looking at all of the above, it has all the elements of disinformation, lack of due process, and excessive, inhuman punishment. It has injustice and human rights violation written all over.
Going over world and national events these past few years, like the elections that have been influenced by fake news or suppression of news, or even the referendum on BREXIT, the war and killings in the Middle East, Africa, and some Asian countries, it is as if we are reliving the passion of Jesus in all these countries. This is not really peculiar to our times, as a review of recorded history will show these have been happening since time immemorial. The consolation is that as mankind advances in terms of intellect and technology, there is the realization that for the human race to progress and survive, morality and justice have to advance not just because it is the right or religious thing to do, but because it is necessary to establish order and peace. Recalling again, Barbara Tuchman's book "The March of Folly," it seems injustices are eventually resolved over time. If you believe in God, through Divine intervention, or if you do not believe in God, because nature eventually evens out all things.
In his Lenten message, President Duterte urged Filipinos to revitalize their faith and renew their relationship with God. In this Holy Week, this is just what is needed for supporters, detractors, and observers of the government. And then there is always the Resurrection. Advance happy Easter.
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