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.
