Outdated Signs of Times

             I write this paper as a person with a Catholic upbringing, as a student with Catholic education from start to finish, but as a Catholic with a renewed sense of Catholicism with the calling to reach out for the common good where one and all will benefit. Undertaking my Theology and Philosophy classes in the Ateneo de Manila University really opened my eyes on matters concerning the social strata in the country where those below and those on the edges are in need of people who can voice out their cries. Furthermore, I learned from this Catholic education from the Ateneo that I have the power, the freedom, and the responsibility to make it happen - to carry, on top of my cross, the cross of those who are too weak to carry theirs.

            It is very sad to think that the argument on the Catholicism of an institution has reduced the whole meaning of the word Catholic to a mere conceited adjective. Catholicism, as I’ve learned from the little I understand of it, is neither a title, nor a pedestal by which those under its embrace will lift themselves up apart from those who are not and they have to do all in its bidding to keep this pedestal to them. As exemplified by our own savior Jesus Christ, son of God made man; it is a way of life. However, people, especially those who use this word as a pedestal often times fail to differentiate the meaning of living apart from merely existing.

            Given the pressing social issues happening right now, I am happy to know that certain legislators are using their power to do something right to alleviate these problems amidst all negative commentaries directed to the current state of governance in the Philippines. As a result, the RH Act has been concretized to address concerns in hopes of raising the quality of living for the whole nation. Sadly enough, a certain body of power, the Catholic Church bars the Act’s passing, and this is what’s denying those in need of the provisions which they ought to have. My challenge is, if not RH, then what should be done to help the women who die giving birth, the teenagers who lose their heads when they unwillingly get pregnant thus resulting to medically improper abortion, and the babies who are born in such a fatal reality.

            With the promotion of the Academic Freedom in the university, I have learned to open my mind to both arguments in the dialogue between the pros and the antis. However, I am more proud that what the students of Ateneo are being taught is an active approach in being men for others. With that, I strongly believe that instead of finding ways on how to shoot down a possible solution to the onslaught of problems at present, why not provide a better alternative which fits your own cause? For two things are for sure - number one, we have a problem, and number 2, and we need a solution.

             Following a liberationist approach in matters of faith, I pray that those in religious powers and those who are against the solution, to first put themselves in the shoes of those who don’t have any. That is the first step to a faith which seeks understanding. Those with the Signs of Times must step down their pedestals and walk barefoot among and along the edges of the society to see the real signs of time. Above all, they should be the one bringing the Kingdom of God to the poor. For His Kingdom welcomes everyone equally, for His Kingdom is right now. With that, there is no other time to carry the cross of our fellow men, but now. Bring immediate social justice for the poor – pro-poor, pro-women, pro-life. Justice delayed is justice denied, pass RH now.