Timely and useful reminders

It is really the first time in our country’s history that a President has interfered with the religious beliefs of the people. His latest statement describing God as “stupid” is so shocking indeed as to stir almost violent reactions and bitterness especially among the faithful who have so far suffered in silence despite his offensive language and weird conduct unbecoming of a President. Never before has there been really such a bitter discord and division among our people than during these times especially because of the emergence of the “Diehard Duterte Supporters” (DDS) who blindly follow and see nothing wrong with what their idol says and does.

As previously pointed out, this latest outburst of PRRD runs counter to the Constitutional principle of “separation of Church and State” which shall be inviolable (Article II, Section 6). This principle means that the “free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed” (Article III Section 5).  And in one case, the Supreme Court has already interpreted this provision to mean that “it is improper for a public officer to make a derogatory remark against a religious group; that no one much less a public official is privileged to characterize the actuations of its adherents in a derogatory sense” (Iglesia vs Gironella, 106, SCRA 1).

With PRRD’s, indiscreet remarks and culpable actions, even his job as the Chief Executive of this country has been seriously affected. He spends more time now in explaining his indiscreet statements and his lack of circumspection than in attending to the problems of our country and our people like the soaring prices of rice; the plunging of foreign investments pledge to 58.6% in the first four months of this year; the weakening of the peso into its lowest level in 12 years; the continuous fall of share prices in the stock market; and the highest rate of inflation in five years. In fact even PRRD himself admits that the “economy is in the doldrums.”

At this stage, people appears to be really so frustrated and disappointed at what is happening in our country. They appear to be completely at a loss on what to do. So it is quite timely and appropriate to cite the recent reminder and appeal made by the Archbishop of Manila, Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle. He wrote:

“1. Be at peace. Be calm. Don’t let things disturb your inner peace. Let us read the situation with the eyes of faith.

2. Vatican II stressed that we Catholics should respect non-Catholics and their religions. We also respect those who do not believe in God. All people should strive to respect those who differ from their beliefs. Religions are not to be used for conflicts but for mutual understanding and peace.

3. Questioning God and God’s ways is not new. It is as old as humanity and religions. In the history of the church they have become moments for study, reflection and clarification of doctrine. Creation and evolution, God’s goodness and evil, God’s grace and human freedom, God’s mercy and eternal punishment – these topics have been raised at various moments of the Church’s history. In my visits to colleges and universities, I have been asked similar questions by young people. Their scientific and technological education calls for a review of the relationship between Faith, science and reason. Remember Glyzelle, the young girl who asked Pope Francis at UST, “Why does God allow children to suffer? “These questions are always raised and will continue to be raised. As a constructive step, perhaps, we can invite our philosophers, scientists, theologians, bible scholars, catechists and social workers to revisit these concerns and present responses appropriate to our contemporary sensibilities. Maybe a renewed apologetics is needed for those who are sincerely searching for the truth.

4. While these questions are extremely important for the dialogue between faith and current concerns, let us not be distracted from addressing other pressing concerns with the fervor of faith and love: for example, the increasing prices of goods, job security, exploitation of women and children, violence in homes and neighborhoods, different types of addictions, crimes, vulnerabilities of OFWs, the daily paralyzing traffic in big cities, flooding, reconstruction of destroyed cities, combatting terrorism, corruption and others. We need to come together and contribute to positive responses according to each one’s capability. We cannot address these problems by just blaming someone. Those who believe in God must work faithfully and joyfully for the Lord. Those who do not believe in God must serve out of human decency, generosity and concern for neighbors.

5. Some biblical texts might help restore a faith perspective and interior peace when people get disturbed by questions about God and God’s ways. Here are some:

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8)

“We preach Christ crucified: a scandal to Jews and absurdity to Gentiles. But to those who are called, Christ the power of God and the Wisdom of God. For God’s folly is wiser than men and his weakness, more powerful than men.” (I Corinthians 1:23-25)

“Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

To sum up, please remind our Christian faithful to rejoice always, as Pope Francis in his latest exhortation Gaudete et Exultate tells us. Celebrate the faith! Fill up the churches! Sing loudly at mass. Pray fervently. Serve joyfully. Tell the world of God’s love for you. Be fools for Christ. Be at peace. God is the Savior. We do not need to save God. It is God who will save us.”

*      *      *

Email: [email protected]