Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Bishop's Stand, The Church's Stand.

The Lord Jesus, throughout His ministry, never encouraged rebellion or told any official to resign or come down from his position. He was a very passionate prophet in that He taught with fire and wisdom. He was a responsible leader in that He was honest to His apostles and guided them to their ultimate goal which is salvation. He was a true Messiah in that He fulfilled all the promises revealed to Israel (humankind) in His lifetime. He was a true Son in that He obeyed His Father even up to death.

The Lord Jesus, in the beginning of His ministry, organized a group of simple men who would cooperate with Him in fulfilling His ministry. By being first hand witnesses of all the things He would say and do, they were given the task of handing on these deposits of faith to the next generations. All of those deposits of faith were actually contained in Scriptures (the written Word of God). But it is also complimented by and never without Tradition (orally transmitted Word of God). By itself, the written Word of God maybe interpreted in so many ways. But, Tradition provides the context and milieu that would help reveal and give the right intention and message of Scriptures.

Scriptures and Tradition had been handed on from the apostles to the present through apostolic succession. The Church leadership, headed by the Pope and the bishops, received these deposits of faith. They are to make sure that what the apostles had seen, heard, felt, and written would be shared. Their task is to share these truths about faith as received. In the words of Teresa of Calcutta, "Give us Jesus, Only Jesus!" It is in this context and basis that the Church is coming from. The truth, falsity, and authenticity of the pronouncements and teachings of the Church is measured against the very teaching of the Lord Jesus. In other words, the Pope, bishops and other Church leaders are not free to say their own opinion in the name of the Church. In matters of faith and morals, their ministry only requires them to guide and inform the faithful as to what is in accordance with faith and what is not. As to what to do, they can not oblige the faithful although they could recommend courses of action without prejudice to the personal discernment and decision of the faithful.

The present pastoral letters of the CBCP in response to the issue of the NBN-ZTE deal and other accusation of corruption in government perfectly abides by this discipline. The bishops, thru the CBCP had been faithful to its responsibility of guiding the faithful with regards to faith and morals. They condemned in strongest terms corruption, dishonesty, injustice, abuse of the God-given environment, illegalities, and other evil ways. Contrary to the reaction and opinion of others who interpreted the statements as weak, moderated for vested interest, and an act of cowardice, it was forceful and within the authority and responsibility of the Church. It was a solid expression of her authority with utmost respect for the sovereignty of the republic.

It should be clear that the letter is neither for nor against the call for the resignation of the president. To call for the resignation of the president or any government official for that matter is a perfect example of a political act. It is a clear intervention of religion to the state. The Church is not concerned about how governments must be run but whether it is moral or not. It is the responsibility of the Church to help the state to govern morally. The constitution guarantees the guidance of God as part of its accepted guides. The CBCP saw what were needed in order to arrive at the truth regarding the issues. They also addressed the need for a radical change in all sectors in order to effect a lasting change. The two "people powers" had helped us succeed in removing our leaders but not the very cause why they were removed. The bishops realized that the mere removal of a leader does not solve the problem. If the system remained, then replacements will also govern in the same situation, and worse, they may be worse than the previous one. The CBCP, through its letters therefore tells us that what we need is a change in people and not a change of people! No amount of People Power could effect a real change if the very people in it are not changed!

We must be happy that they were not tempted to make political decisions for us. What they had done is to encourage us to make those decisions based on our faith and convictions. The bishops never said that it is against the Gospel to call for the resignation of a leader. Nor did they declare that it is alright not to do so. What they are saying is that based on one's discernment, you can declare your position. This time, the bishops are treating the faithful as responsible people and are very capable of making intelligent, rational, and moral decisions. In political matters, the faithful can lead and should lead. In matters of salvation, the Church leaders would lead.

Unfortunately, this stand was not welcomed at least by those who expect from the CBCP a declaration calling for the resignation of the president. The opposition, some NGO's, academe, other sects, and even the religious groups were all dismayed, frustrated, or not contented. That night when the bishops were meeting, many thought that it was the best time to hear a call for resignation from the respected bishops and all will break loose for a concerted effort to join the call. Many would have gone out to the streets and cry out for the change in leadership. If the CBCP, the Church, has given an imprimatur on it, then anyone can now legitimately and without guilt act for the ouster of the president.

The Church could never be made to make pronouncements and teachings that are always popular. The norm of the faith is not whether it is acceptable or not to all. The norm is whether it is faithful to the deposits of faith. The Lord Jesus, even if it would cost His life, obeyed His Father. The Church, even if she will be abandoned by its members who disagree with her teachings, would never never change her position so as to keep or regain them. The Word of God matters most. The very essence of the existence of the Church is the faith given by the Lord. If the Church would not be faithful to it, there is no reason for her continued existence.

Hopefully, this is clear to all faithful. All of these are for their own sake. That is the will of God. And God's Will is always well for us.

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