The Lenten season culminated on Easter Sunday, and for many Christians of all denominations, it signaled new beginnings and renewal of faith, by going back to the core values of Christianity, its preferential inclination towards uplifting the status of the poor.
As the turn of events shows, there is now a conscious worldwide effort to go back to the teachings of the Bible on being a “Person for Others”.
The newly-installed Pope Francis I who leads the over billion faithful Catholics is a Jesuit, and he took the name “Francis”, which signifies his adherence to the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Pope Francis is known to have led a simple life, and his early pronouncements actualize his bias towards disregarding the perks and trappings of his exalted position. He used to take public transport, would pay his own bills, cook his own meals, preferred to live in the common clergy quarters, etc. He wanted to identify himself with the poor. And this has been the common theme of his pastoral advocacy.
His type of leadership, gives hope to all his followers, that by his example, he will redirect the focus of the Church towards uplifting the conditions of the poor.
Most Christian churches of any sect or denomination base their beliefs and philosophy on the example of Jesus Christ, and how he chose to come as a carpenter’s son, living the life of an ordinary working family. He chose non-violence, as opposed to the violence imposed by the ruling elite Jewish leaders and the Roman conquerors. He chose to be an instrument of peace, by reminding the rulers how to be a leader: “to serve rather than be served”.
In many parables, Jesus Christ extolled the virtue of humility, saying: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted”. In more ways than one, he was showing “the way, the truth, and the life.” (Via, Veritas, Vita).
These core values are repeated time and again in the sermons of priests and pastors during Easter, and as most of us know, it is always easier said than done.
In the sunrise service of the congregation of the Chapel of the Evangel led by Dr. Noriel Capulong and Dr. Everett Mendoza, they aptly explored the facets and the layers of concerns that have muddled the way most church-based hospitals, -schools and the like from their true mission.
It is of common knowledge, for example, that the Silliman Medical Center used to be the Silliman Mission Hospital, and by its name alone, the difference in its culture is apparent. The “care of the sick”, was regarded as a Christian duty, not an occasion to make profit.
The University of the Philippines also used to be the bastion of the deserving, intelligent, talented, financially- disadvantaged students, where education was the equalizer accessible to all — not only for those who can afford its stratified tuition.
But amid the prevalent disconnect, there is hope because there will be a chance for change in the coming May elections. Do we really want to effect change? Then, each and every person should make a conscious effort to vote for the best persons who will deliver the platform of good governance.
For good governance is the key to real progress, as it is now shown that the path towards good governance produces positive impact on our economy.
The message of Easter should live in our hearts, as we ponder on who to vote for. Let us vote for Hope.
