While the Church helps the poor live decent lives through its social action programs funded from charitable contributions, government agencies must do likewise with funds allotted for poverty alleviation, as directed by acts of justice, honesty, compassion and charity, the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said.
In his New Year’s message Jaro Archbishop and CBCP president Angel Lagdameo made a stinging rebuke on the government’s failure to address the plight of the poor saying that the their miserable condition is not natural but man-made.
“The extreme poverty of the poorest of the poor is neither natural nor normal: it is man-made and can be overcome or eradicated by acts of justice, honesty, compassion and charity,” said Lagdameo.
He said it is unfortunate that although God’s blessings are unlimited and countless, they become limited through selfishness, injustice and corruption.
“God’s countless blessings have been and are obstructed or hindered from reaching their respective targets,” Lagdameo lamented
The CBCP president cited studies done showing how graft and corruption had defrauded the poor of basic services.
“The realities: according to one study, for every 100 pesos of our national budget, 40 pesos go to debt servicing, 15 pesos for education, 1 peso and 40 centavos for health services, and only 18 centavos for housing. For every 100 pesos, sadly 43 pesos and 42 centavos become the object of greed, fraud, plunder and corruption. Recently it was said that the 23 million “poorest of the poor” have increased to 27 million, most of whom are victims of their neighbors’ greed,” Lagdameo said.
The prelate reiterated what Pope Benedict XVI said on Christmas Day, that “it is GREED that destroys the world and its peace, unbridled and criminal greed of individuals and institutions. The evil effects of greed are worse and more widespread than the evils of war.”
But the prelate conceded that even amidst human negativities, accidents, dehumanizing poverty and broken promises, still people have many countless blessings to be happy and thankful about.
“With God hope springs eternal,” he said.
A better year for the poor?
The prelate said only the future can tell if 2009 will be a better year for the “poorest of the poor” while issuing a challenge on what everyone can do to become agents of hope for them.
“Will the New Year 2009 be a better year for the “poorest of the poor” because they are better looked after by Society, the Church and Government? In 2009, will someone be less poor, less hungry, better educated, because of what I shall have done?” asked the prelate.
Lagdameo explained the reason for rejoicing at any time especially during Christmas season is not due to what has been done for or received from others.
“The fundamental reason for our rejoicing always is that in Jesus Christ, God and Man, God has become “God with us-Emmanuel,” in the midst of many human negativities…and broken promises,” he said.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
"Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth?" (Ps 113[112], 5ff.)
God dwells on high, yet he stoops down to us...
He stoops down -- he himself comes down as a child to the lowly stable, the symbol of all humanity's neediness and forsakenness. He becomes a child and puts himself in the state of complete dependence typical of a newborn child. The Creator who holds all things in his hands, on whom we all depend, makes himself small and in need of human love.
For nothing can be more sublime, nothing greater than the love which thus stoops down, descends, becomes dependent.
(Excerpts from the homily of Pope Benedict XVI on Christmas Day)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
"And the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Jn 1:14
Jesus came to us as a little child, so vulnerable and utterly dependent on the care of Joseph and Mary.
Who can look at the innocent face of a defenseless child and be not moved by the innocence that is reflected there? The sight of an infant gurgling with innocent laughter truly warms the heart. No wonder a child is often referred to as a bundle of joy, a blessing to the family.
Hence it is truly unthinkable that abuses can happen and be inflicted to an innocent child. But sadly, such things happen in our world today.
Jesus, the Son of God had chosen to come to us as a little infant. By embracing our humanity he wants us to realize how much he loves us and how far he would go for that love. But it is a kind of love that trusts and puts ahead the good of the loved one.
As we look at the little child in the manger, we can't but marvel at the unconditional love God has for us. May this love move us to reach out to others, especially to the little ones, both in spirit and stature, on this season of Christmas, for it is to them that the Good News of salvation was first proclaimed. Merry Christmas!
Jesus comes to us as the Prince of Peace
Peace is the message of Christmas.
Jesus comes to us as the prince of peace. He comes to bring unity into our world torn by so much strife.
In his Christmas message just released yesterday, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales said that the message of Christmas has to be repeated over and over again in order to make it sink deeply into our consciousness, that it may become part of us.
Peace has never become so elusive as it is now. Countries at war with one another; ethnic groups locked in armed conflict; families separated because of economic reasons; relationships between friends that has gone sour because of misunderstanding…
The recent bombing in Iligan was a testament on how elusive the attainment of peace can be. It happened just few months after armed clashes between government forces and Muslim separatist rebels that resulted to loss of lives and properties. The people have not yet recovered fully from the trauma caused by displacement and loss of loved ones, and again this bombing happened which also claimed lives and wounded scores of civilians.
We all long for peace, for understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, but we fail to do our share in the pursuit of peace.
Cardinal Rosales said peace is only possible for the person who loves. Indeed, even how much we long for peace if our hearts are full of hatred and selfishness, peace will remain an elusive dream.
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Lk 2:14
We really have to sincerely seek peace if we want it to become a reality in the here and now.
Here we are challenged to put ahead the good of others before our own just as Jesus did. He became one like us, stepping on our shoes, showing us that everything is possible to a person who loves…
As the song goes, “the real meaning of Christmas is the giving of love everyday.” And where there is love peace is not far behind.
Jesus comes to us as the prince of peace. He comes to bring unity into our world torn by so much strife.
In his Christmas message just released yesterday, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales said that the message of Christmas has to be repeated over and over again in order to make it sink deeply into our consciousness, that it may become part of us.
Peace has never become so elusive as it is now. Countries at war with one another; ethnic groups locked in armed conflict; families separated because of economic reasons; relationships between friends that has gone sour because of misunderstanding…
The recent bombing in Iligan was a testament on how elusive the attainment of peace can be. It happened just few months after armed clashes between government forces and Muslim separatist rebels that resulted to loss of lives and properties. The people have not yet recovered fully from the trauma caused by displacement and loss of loved ones, and again this bombing happened which also claimed lives and wounded scores of civilians.
We all long for peace, for understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, but we fail to do our share in the pursuit of peace.
Cardinal Rosales said peace is only possible for the person who loves. Indeed, even how much we long for peace if our hearts are full of hatred and selfishness, peace will remain an elusive dream.
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Lk 2:14
We really have to sincerely seek peace if we want it to become a reality in the here and now.
Here we are challenged to put ahead the good of others before our own just as Jesus did. He became one like us, stepping on our shoes, showing us that everything is possible to a person who loves…
As the song goes, “the real meaning of Christmas is the giving of love everyday.” And where there is love peace is not far behind.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Christmas Season
The onset of the novena masses heralds the Christmas season. There is a lot of excitement in the air. The upbeat melody of Christmas carols also lends to this feeling of anticipation. Homes are bedecked with decorations and lights of various sizes and colors.
It has been said that Christmas is the busiest season of the year. Everyone is lost in a flurry of preparations: shopping to do, gifts to prepare, friends to visit, parties to attend to. Department stores and supermarkets are full with shoppers. Who said Filipinos have no money to spend? Don’t dare to come to Divisoria these days. You will surely get lost (hopefully not get trampled) in the sea of people looking for the best bargains.
When I see throng of people going here and there, lost in thought (perhaps thinking what to buy for whom, and how to stretch the budget to the limit), without seeing anything, the words of Blessed Alberione come to mind: “where will this humanity of people go? Will it be saved or will it be lost forever?”
The hustle and bustle of preparation akin to the celebration of Christmas may distract us to the very reason of the festivities. It is essential to bear in mind that Christ is the very reason why there is Christmas. It is him we celebrate. He should be at the center of it all. We decorate our homes because we want to welcome him in a happy atmosphere. We give gifts to show our love just as Jesus has given himself as a gift to us. Spiritually we prepare ourselves to welcome him in our hearts.
It has been said that Christmas is the busiest season of the year. Everyone is lost in a flurry of preparations: shopping to do, gifts to prepare, friends to visit, parties to attend to. Department stores and supermarkets are full with shoppers. Who said Filipinos have no money to spend? Don’t dare to come to Divisoria these days. You will surely get lost (hopefully not get trampled) in the sea of people looking for the best bargains.
When I see throng of people going here and there, lost in thought (perhaps thinking what to buy for whom, and how to stretch the budget to the limit), without seeing anything, the words of Blessed Alberione come to mind: “where will this humanity of people go? Will it be saved or will it be lost forever?”
The hustle and bustle of preparation akin to the celebration of Christmas may distract us to the very reason of the festivities. It is essential to bear in mind that Christ is the very reason why there is Christmas. It is him we celebrate. He should be at the center of it all. We decorate our homes because we want to welcome him in a happy atmosphere. We give gifts to show our love just as Jesus has given himself as a gift to us. Spiritually we prepare ourselves to welcome him in our hearts.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Simbang Gabi
The nine-day dawn masses before Christmas or the simbang gabi as we Filipinos call it has began. This is a religious tradition that is typically Filipino that goes back centuries of observance.
The pre-dawn masses are usually celebrated at 4:30 although in some parishes the time varies. Some have it as early as 4 am to accommodate a second mass after it. Many parishes have also introduced an anticipated simbang gabi in the evening to accommodate those who cannot attend the dawn mass for one reason or another.
Back in my younger years, I remember simbang gabi was something to look forward to, for various reasons. Of course, there was the religious side of it, of preparing ourselves spiritually to celebrate Christmas meaningfully. But then, we were also very much taken by other interests as well. In groups, we enjoyed the trek to the Church braving the chilly breeze of the early morning air. Since it was a good 30-minute walk from our barrio to the town, it took us a while to reach the Church. By the time we got there all seats would have been taken. We would be standing the entire mass of one hour and a half.
In those days, simbang gabi would not have been complete without the puto bumbong and puto bibingka. These two plus a steaming cup of salabat tea or coffee were part and parcel of our celebration of the simbang gabi then.
It has been many years since I left home. I do not know now if they still have these puto bumbong and bibingka stalls outside the Church.
But one thing I am sure is that the Church would still be full with mass goers – a testament to the religiosity of the Filipinos.
The pre-dawn masses are usually celebrated at 4:30 although in some parishes the time varies. Some have it as early as 4 am to accommodate a second mass after it. Many parishes have also introduced an anticipated simbang gabi in the evening to accommodate those who cannot attend the dawn mass for one reason or another.
Back in my younger years, I remember simbang gabi was something to look forward to, for various reasons. Of course, there was the religious side of it, of preparing ourselves spiritually to celebrate Christmas meaningfully. But then, we were also very much taken by other interests as well. In groups, we enjoyed the trek to the Church braving the chilly breeze of the early morning air. Since it was a good 30-minute walk from our barrio to the town, it took us a while to reach the Church. By the time we got there all seats would have been taken. We would be standing the entire mass of one hour and a half.
In those days, simbang gabi would not have been complete without the puto bumbong and puto bibingka. These two plus a steaming cup of salabat tea or coffee were part and parcel of our celebration of the simbang gabi then.
It has been many years since I left home. I do not know now if they still have these puto bumbong and bibingka stalls outside the Church.
But one thing I am sure is that the Church would still be full with mass goers – a testament to the religiosity of the Filipinos.
Bishop goes on hunger strike to demand passage of CARP
Manila Auxiliary bishop and NASSA chairman Broderick Pabillo went on hunger strike today outside Batasang Pambansa to pressure Congress to act on CARP extension with reforms, otherwise known as CARPER bill HB 4077.
Pabillo is joined by Fr. Archie Casey, SX and nine of Calatagan farmers and 20 others from Task Force Mapalad, Banasi and UNORKA.
Representatives from various women and men religious congregations came to show their solidarity and support of the bishop and the farmers’ cause.
Meanwhile, Congress has started to debate on the bill today with the final voting scheduled on Wednesday before it adjourns for the Christmas break.
It has been earlier reported that several lawmakers against CARPER said that they would only support its passage if the provision on compulsory land acquisition is removed.
AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros, principal author of CARPER said that the landlords in Congress were determined to render the program ineffectual.
“They’ve benefited from the flaws of the program, but now they want to render the program inutile by abolishing its compulsory acquisition provision, heart of this social justice measure,” said Hontiveros.
Farmers from various groups have also voiced out their concerns on the inaction of Congress accusing the House leadership of giving in to the demands of the landlords in the House.
Earlier, some senior members of the hierarchy led by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales has called on the legislators to put ahead the interest of the farmers by passing the proposed law on CARP’s extension with reforms
“Agrarian reform concerns all of us because if it is left unfinished, we would be participants and witness to the poverty of millions of our brothers and sisters and to the perpetuation of injustice,” they said in a letter sent to the House Speaker Prospero Nograles.
Pabillo is joined by Fr. Archie Casey, SX and nine of Calatagan farmers and 20 others from Task Force Mapalad, Banasi and UNORKA.
Representatives from various women and men religious congregations came to show their solidarity and support of the bishop and the farmers’ cause.
Meanwhile, Congress has started to debate on the bill today with the final voting scheduled on Wednesday before it adjourns for the Christmas break.
It has been earlier reported that several lawmakers against CARPER said that they would only support its passage if the provision on compulsory land acquisition is removed.
AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros, principal author of CARPER said that the landlords in Congress were determined to render the program ineffectual.
“They’ve benefited from the flaws of the program, but now they want to render the program inutile by abolishing its compulsory acquisition provision, heart of this social justice measure,” said Hontiveros.
Farmers from various groups have also voiced out their concerns on the inaction of Congress accusing the House leadership of giving in to the demands of the landlords in the House.
Earlier, some senior members of the hierarchy led by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales has called on the legislators to put ahead the interest of the farmers by passing the proposed law on CARP’s extension with reforms
“Agrarian reform concerns all of us because if it is left unfinished, we would be participants and witness to the poverty of millions of our brothers and sisters and to the perpetuation of injustice,” they said in a letter sent to the House Speaker Prospero Nograles.
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