Moral, spiritual crisis This is the first Holy Week since President Marcos launched his anti-corruption crackdown with the admonition to crooks to have some shame.
“Mahiya naman kayo!” became a rallying cry for the mass protests that were staged as details of large-scale corruption emerged involving the national budget as well as flood control and other infrastructure projects.
Among those who have been implicated in budget thievery and anomalous public works projects are government officials who are known to belong to the Catholic faithful, with some of them even making a show of their piety.
As Christians focus on matters of faith this week, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David lamented yesterday what he described as the moral and spiritual crisis now plaguing this predominantly Catholic land.
The crisis, David said, is evident in the still unresolved corruption scandal, in the political system that is now dominated by entrenched dynasties, and in the abuses and impunity that characterized the brutal crackdown on the illegal drug menace in the previous administration.
While also acknowledging failure on the part of the Church in ministering to its flock, David expressed hope that the Catholic faithful, including many of the politicians implicated in corruption scandals and human rights abuses, would find time especially this Holy Week to examine their conscience and resolve to mend their ways.
Cynics might say that if people can be bothered by their conscience in the first place, they won’t commit wrongdoing, whether in the spiritual or temporal realm. But David believes there is inherent goodness in every person, and it’s possible to regret transgressions, and to see the need for penance and atonement.
Whether enjoying vacations during this long holiday break or worrying about surging fuel prices, the faithful can devote some time to spiritual introspection. David is urging those who have abused power and brought misery to other people to examine their conscience this Holy Week.
Such examination could make the person a better human being, and the country a better place. And it could ease the moral and spiritual crisis.