Wanted: Practical Humanism

THE set of guidelines recently issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines was a disappointment. It defined and served nothing new.

What is accomplished was merely to affirm the perception that the bishops are still far removed from the realities that most Filipino families are faced with. They still prefer to talk about the church’s image and apolitical position instead of talking about real solutions that people need from government. They reiterate the importance of religion yet remain unperturbed when religious fanatics kill in the name of religion.

The bishops tell their faithful to shun candidates who propose bold solutions but would not get out of their comfort zone to help address the serious problems that plague families. They continue to contend themselves with motherhood statements and little else. Worse, they have been careful not to take corrupt, inept public officials to task for failing to protect communities, particularly from drug lords.

The bishops speak of reforms that the bishops themselves are not prepared to fight for. So like the thoughtful shepherd to his flock, Pope Francis took it upon himself to point out what’s wrong with everyone (including the bishops): “God is not indifferent! God cares about mankind. God does not abandon us!” In brief he is teaching the world: Indifference is the big enemy of peace. Yes, indifference.

As one who is in touch with families living in the real world, Pope Francis talks of practical humanism, not mere motherhood statements that our bishops continue to be enamored with. No wonder the catholic faithful (and clergy) sorely miss Jaime Cardinal Sin of the 80s, Archbishop Oscar Cruz of the 90s, they who dared to speak and act for them, for results.

 

Grace’s graces

IF you have not noticed it, Grace Poe got the most number of news headlines from our national dailies during the holidays. Free ride. But in fairness, it was not through the efforts of Grace, nor her drumbeaters, that she got the news bonanza.

Inadvertently “conspiring” to put Grace on the “pedestal” are the Comelec and Supreme Court. Twice the Comelec disqualified (DQ) Grace from running for President in May. But the twin Comelec en banc decisions merely validated the DQ verdicts of Comelec’s Divisions 1 & 2.  And, in one fell swoop, the High Court issued a temporary restraining order stopping the Comelec from enforcing its en banc decision.  Temporary relief for Grace as it may seem, the SC decision somehow gave the beleaguered Grace a much-needed respite from the DQ blows she had been absorbing the past weeks.

This 2016, let God’s graces on Grace also spread throughout our dear motherland.

(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)

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