“A nation unfree shall never be at peace.”

“A nation unfree shall never be at peace.”

 Those who are truly concerned are by themselves driven by an act of love. For with all their knowledge, talent, and dedication, one would say that their love of country and people is itself provided lights and guides to the present and future generations, all despite the risks that they endure, and even at the expense of their lives.

But despite their sacrifices this doesn’t stop the people from becoming aware of the realities making themselves obliged to rise and fight. True it may be that those who are against the concerned, the patriotic, the one who’s driven by the will to resist and thus partake the bitter cup of sacrifice are now rejoicing. They think that they have pacified the country by all means. They think that they have purchased half of the people and intimidated the other half. Sorry to rephrase Pearse but this reflects the current condition. Why? The sacrifices of those truly concerned showed that the country and its people should seek truth from facts, that behind the “progress” and “development” that’s blabbered is the poverty that everyone felt and endured. 

 Will a worker just mum after receiving a wage of 11000 pesos in the face of rising commodities and fare hikes? Will a coconut farmer just kept silent after having 15 peso after selling a sack of copra? Will a loved one just stay quiet after their special someone harassed or killed after accused of a crime that’s not been committed or by simply expressing their disgust against an order that’s decadent? Such realities contradicts the press releases claiming that the country geared towards development. The roads, the bridges, the skyscrapers, the debt driven growth doesn’t stop the fact that the country remains in squalor making these affected farmers, workers, and various concerned folks able to rise up and fight for this. 

 Yes, the order think that they have foreseen everything, think that they have provided against everything; how foolish then despite snaring each and every one by claiming they’re defending the country. But the realities that lead them to resist are there. They may partake the bitter cup of sacrifice if necessary just because they stand with the truth, justice, and freedom for a nation that’s in dire need of redemption. 

There may be heroes, or martyrs all because of a country’s love- and since there is, then while this nation holds these graves, to rephrase Pearse, a nation that’s unfree shall never be at peace.

When Easter means a time to Uprise!

When Easter means a time to Uprise!

This may sound hardcore to those who think Easter as all but a time to rejoice or a time to convert souls, hearts, and minds; but as realities brought each and everyone to face the abyss, may as well this Easter means the time to uprise the way Jesus Christ conquer death and rose from the grave.

What makes the message hardcore, if not rebellious? Just like the risen Christ, people should rise up from its slumber, seek light and inspiration from the divine word so as to continue the struggle along with the poor and downtrodden, all in pursuit of just society. 

In the Old Testament, God urged Moses to liberate the enslaved Jews from Egyptian domination. The Jews were indeed redeemed as Moses and his followers finally left Egypt and observed the laws given to God through the commandments. 

Later, once they had established in the Holy Land, wealthy and powerful Jews emerged, living affluent lives without regard for the plight of the poor. In reaction to their apathy, God called forth prophets to lament the condition of the poor and to summon the rich to repentance. In the name of God, the prophets of ancient Israel opposed what was occurring to people who were victims in an unfairly stratified society. 

Even the Kings faced chiding from the prophets as their disobedience to God and to law been shown to its people. In an instance, King Ahab and his wife Jezebel are confronted by Elijah the prophet after they turned away from the Lord to worship pagan gods like Baal and Asherah. The prophet even instructed the king to gather the entire population of Israel and the prophets of Asherah and Baal to Mount Carmel. He approached the people, warning them that if they offered a sacrifice and invoked Baal, he would do the same and invoke the Lord. Whichever caught fire would then prove who the real God was. Baal's worshippers prepared their sacrifice and prayed to him all day long without receiving a response. Then Elijah rebuilt the altar of the Lord, prepared the sacrifice, and poured four jugs of water on it. He called upon the Lord, and the Lord answered him: 

“The Lord’s fire came down and devoured the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dust, and lapped up the water in the trench. Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” (1 Kings 18:38-39) 

 

So is the New Testament, when God sent Angel Gabriel to announce to Mary that she will give birth to the Messiah by stating that one day her soon-to-be-born son will be said: 

“…He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent away empty.” (Luke 1:51-53) 

But that Messiah happens to be that of a redeemer of hearts than that of a sword-raising fighter as promised to the Jews, teaching every folk the value of faith, hope, and love as keys to redemption. In his sermons he declared that He has come to bring “good news for the poor” and to “preach deliverance to the captives” (Luke 4:18-19). He even healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry as to show the world that God is with them. 

But, he is also the same Christ who said: 

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send [or bring] peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34), 

As well as how he expelled the moneylenders and vendors from the temple: 

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” ( Matthew 21:12–13). 

Such actions would say provoked ire from the established order- and be constituted as a rebellion, leading to his passion and death. 

But regardless of what the established order seen him as a rebel, the faithful rather saw in him a redeeming figure who wanted a “revolution of the heart” in order to bring change. That by his death this meant sacrifice to end sin, a “passover” in which humanity should be liberated from suffering, but in his resurrection he restored life after death; Indeed, the Jesus story is the poor person's tale, for God becomes poor and weak in Christ in order for the oppressed to be freed from poverty and helplessness. He chose to sacrifice himself as he endured the pain from his passion and crucifixion. But his quest for redemption doesn’t limit to that of the Jews who desired for a messiah but also to the world as they hear his message. He even descended into hell as he set free the captive souls before he rose up from his death thus conquering both sin and death by his resurrection. Again, it is a poor man’s story that desire for liberation, but Christ himself who resurrected from the dead shows an ultimate liberation- that of liberating from both sin and death as sin itself leads to death, both physical and spiritual. 

 For sure some would say that this note may justify rebellion as such but to bring closer to God means to rebel against unjust. Why is it? Does it mean to bear arms? Yes it is, even the heart of a Christian can be a weapon itself as to demand a revolution of the heart (no wonder why “setting the world on fire” is what Ignatius of Loyola ended his letters) if not a rebellion against unjust traditions, the way God always champions the cause of those who are poor and beaten down as they struggle for national and social liberation, as well as that of human dignity. Should a Christian remain silent when a government reduces funding for agriculture, education, or medical care for the poor in order to reduce taxes for the wealthy? People will perish as a result of the government's sin of upward wealth redistribution. Depriving starving people of food or making them illiterate in order to balance a stupid budget or pass judgment on their character is an evident evil that requires no additional explanation- if not the fact that this shows an attitude of callousness towards the very humanity of other people. 

Perhaps, before this note would end, this writer would say that If Jesus can overcome death and sin, then the world can overcome poverty, disease, hunger, and oppression of human rights. All of these things come from human society structures, how humanity organizes its affairs, and not from God. This may sound “hardcore” as it urges the folk to “uprise” in this season of joy, but this Easter means the chance to liberate so as to liberate others as Christ urges each and everyone to be with God and to build his kingdom.

“A Letter to Churches, church leaders, and faithful”

 “A Letter to Churches, church leaders, and faithful”

by Bishop Antonio Nercua Ablon,

 Philippine Independent Church 

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

As we celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter, let us take a moment to reflect on the world situation that we find ourselves in. It is no secret that we are faced with many challenges, including war, economic poverty, security concerns, and the protection of the environment. These issues are affecting people in every corner of the world and require urgent attention and action.

In times like these, it is important that we turn to our faith and draw strength and hope from the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrifice and triumph over death that we are reminded of the power of love, compassion, and selflessness. As Christians, we are called to emulate these virtues and be a light in the darkness.

The world is currently experiencing a number of conflicts and wars that have caused immeasurable suffering to innocent civilians. As followers of Christ, we must work towards peace and reconciliation, promoting dialogue and understanding between different nations and peoples. We must also advocate for the protection of human rights and the dignity of all people.

Economic poverty is another major issue that affects millions of people around the world. We must work towards creating a more just and equitable society, where everyone has access to the basic necessities of life. This includes promoting fair trade practices, providing education and job opportunities, and advocating for the rights of workers.

Security is also a major concern in many parts of the world. We must work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all, promoting social justice and the rule of law. This includes addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty and inequality, and investing in education and conflict resolution programs.

Finally, the protection of the environment is an issue that affects us all. As stewards of God's creation, we must work towards preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. This includes reducing our carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that protect our natural resources.

In closing, let us remember that as Christians, we have a responsibility to love and serve others. Let us pray for those who are suffering and for those who are working towards creating a better world. May the joy and hope of Easter inspire us to be agents of change and bring about a brighter future for all.

Yours in Christ,

 + Antonio

“There are still battles to fight on.”

“There are still battles to fight on.”

If only for that, people will always remember the battles of Bataan and Corregidor and the men, both Filipino and American, who made it so. This story of valour is a drama of guts and glory, of battle hardened men standing up to impossible odds, of a surrender turned into a triumph if not the chance of a renewed will to resist - in the most heroic fight, in the view of history, this side of World War II. This narrative is not complete, though. But it is also the tale of a relationship between two peoples and two countries, that made one described as "Strong enough to bear the challenges of war," and "rich in living ideas to confront the many and severe difficulties of peace." 

 However, this commemoration doesn’t stop in remembering the struggles of those who fought, died, surrendered and endured hardships in the prison camps, or escaped and continued resisting with all their lives till victory. And now with today’s existing and emerging imperialists with scrupulous agendas, and of corrupt bureaucrats and despots trying to oppress the folk, this note would say that then as now that the spirit of Bataan, Corregidor, or earlier ones like Tirad Pass or in San Juan shows that those who swore to defend freedom, despite facing pain and suffering while resisting did not die in vain. 

 And such actions would say leaves a lifelong commitment, or should say an unfinished business like that struggle as necessary for a country and all nations that value freedom to continue to grow and endure. The painstaking task of nation building that includes acceptance of sacrifice, of seeking truth from facts, of valuing a nation’s freedom and the people’s desire for justice, even in this modern day world of skyscrapers and state of the art gadgetry. 

 Perhaps, how may people express their thanks to those who defend Bataan and Corregidor in this day of valour? Given that they spilt their blood (among other things) to maintain the nation's "patrimony" for future generations? For sure some will answer the ideal such as promoting development in the province as well as ensuring the welfare of surviving veterans and its descendants, while others shrug it as if history is meant to be forgotten. But, even in this modern day setting that there are still battles to fight on- a battle against poverty, illiteracy, injustice from within and without; these battles would say that no matter it is protracted so long as the people take part in this battle then this will not end in vain as what those who fought and died decades ago.

“Shit happens”.

“Shit happens”.

“Shit happens”. These were the words a former cop turned legislator said in facing the media about the actions brought by those upholding the law some years ago. Their actions, no matter how controversial it would be did reflect the current stance people find it terrifying from its onset while its supporters described it as a brand of deterring crime and terror. 

And this continue to resonate still even in this present regime. With same people still in power, it’s been years passed since the regime tries to justify its controversial actions as that of “justice” and restoring “order”. Yet after events which have had such a wide and deep repercussion especially towards concerned folks, these occurrences still made people worry especially when seeing its fanatical supporters, all driven to support their idol right or wrong invoke fear against those who are truly concerned, trying to subvert democracy all in the name of their bastardised order and stability. 

 Be it “red tagging”, to that of extrajudicial killing, the current regime, just like its predecessor insist to the world first that these as an internal issue no matter how many innocents or those expressing concern, what more those who strongly disagree end harassed or outrightly killed, worse, to be justified in the name of curbing down crime or terrorism while claiming that the justice system or democracy itself in The country as thriving. 

 Indeed, the justice system is working, that democracy as thriving, but to see the corrupt and the wicked trying to distort just like in the past, all in the name of their “peace and order” as they “red tag”, harass, or silence those who truly concerned. Of course, they would claim these as driven by their zeal to upheld security of all people, but, how many violent crimes have been committed, even to the point of striking someone and causing blood to be drawn! How many slurs in or against the media, how many offensive remarks and deeds committed against those who express concern and opposition against unjust policies and actions? Of seeing innocents killed and be deemed as collateral damages in the name of war against drugs, crime, or terrorism? 

It is not surprising that the order will justify or deny people the truth as they insist their narrative. As they insist that life goes on, that their brand of progress and development thrives, that the reality of corruption and injustice thrives as they themselves benefited from the fear and poverty of the folk and its community. They cry rebellion as people increasingly becoming concerned over poverty and injustice, they cry crime as people saw the corrupt nature of those claiming to be law abiding, until when the folk remain mum in these truths? Of getting contented in their narratives that trying to hid the realities how poor and oppressed the country is? Blamimg the opposition for their make believe woes while theirs profited from their corruption? Their words trying to instil us their foolish belief that they make the country great again when its rottness is being seen throughout the year, yet as they appear to be “many” they claim to have the power back but not the hearts of those who wished to see their nation truly great- for instead they wanted those truly capable of serving the folk as they serve God rather than themselves and their interests: “But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten,” (Exodus 18:21).

If this is rebellion then so be it, those who are truly concerned about the nation cannot just stay mum and contented as they pray and work hard for themselves, their families, and their respective communities. It is on their faith in God and in their nation that diminishes the narratives of the corrupt. It tries to substitute for it the shifting sands of “human regulations”, sooner or later lead these individuals or societies to moral degradation.

But despite their words, this doesn’t diminish the people’s quest for truth and justice. The Lord Jesus promised that: “You will have affliction in this world, but take courage, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). True maybe that the current regime this time tries to “mellow” its image just to appease the world, especially that it tries to curry favour to the developed countries for investments. But the people remains concerned, if not still having deep anxiety as apologists of the order tries to provoke fear against those who truly concerned about the country. And although true that people desired peace, the peace people felt also have experienced the truth of those mysterious words: "Behold in peace is my bitterness most bitter" (Isaiah 38:17).

“To follow Christ means to resist against corrupt and unjust”

“To follow Christ means to resist against corrupt and unjust”

It seems that the president is trying to appear holier than thou in this season of lent. Be it with his Ash Wednesday message last February to that of the recent Palm Sunday, Bongbong Marcos is trying to appeal to the people using their Christian faith, such as a call “to know Jesus Christ more” and to “better agents of change and conveyors of truth wherever we go.” 

He sounds almost Christian in his encouragement to people to reflect, if not rethink. But the realities of seeing the corrupt and oppressive within the rotten order make the concerned wonder if the president's message really affected him and his cabal—especially after not accepting responsibility for the bloody killings of drug war victims and activists, if not seeing his predecessor Duterte who left a legacy of huge foreign debt amounting to 13 trillion pesos, a $1.6 billion balance of payment deficit, and wholesale corruption. What's more, Bongbong Marcos appears to be sticking to the same neoliberal model for the benefit of the US-China imperialist masters while claiming to as patriotic as what his supporters insist about. 

Sorry if this note turns out to be less of a call for Christian greatness and more of a criticism against the order whose head urges to follow Christ; but his call for reflection doesn’t stop the corrupt from being corrupt, from oppressor from being oppressive. They would claim themselves as Christian as other Christians, but this doesn’t diminish the fact that they’re corrupt and oppressive. Until when people realise that to see corrupt and oppressive leader and followers prevail over that of the good? To seek truth, to serve people, in pursuit of following Christ is a commitment that makes one after another renew their faith despite hardship be it spiritual or societal. 

And although true that this season of Lent urges the folk to inspire by Christ’s love in order to endure and faithfully continue service to others, following Christ means to seek truth from facts, to expose and to oppose the wrongs, of serving wholeheartedly to the people, and to fight and build a just society as what the Lord intended. 

After all, right is the canticle is taken from the Gospel of Luke (1:46–55), that: “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”