CBCP: Hope seems more elusive

- Advertisement -

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday lamented the numerous issues prevailing in the country today, saying it can’t blame the faithful if they feel hopeless and frustrated.

In its Pastoral Letter after the 129th CBCP Plenary Assembly, the CBCP said it would be natural for people to get frustrated by the political turmoil and other social issues afflicting the nation today.

“’Abandon hope all ye who enter here…’ are the haunting words written at the entrance of the descent into hell in Dante Alighieri’s L’inferno. What the author was writing about in the context of his time’s political turmoil and moral decay can mirror today’s Filipino people wrestling with hopelessness, striving to find hope amidst adversities,” said the CBCP.

- Advertisement -

“In trying to understand the reality around us, we experience frustration and anguish… Given this background, hope seems to be more elusive than ever. Thus, we all ask: “Do we still have hope?” it added.

They said even religious leaders are not spared from such perceptions and emotions as they too are citizens of the country.

“We, your spiritual leaders, share the pain brought about by these wounds of affliction. We, too, feel the deep disturbance and seeming paralysis that plague many who are dragged into the pit of hopelessness,” said the CBCP.

Among them, the bishops said, is in the sphere of morality, where the people can sense widespread confusion, indifference, apathy, and helplessness because of murderous attacks against life, particularly against innocent ones.

“The culture of impunity, self-entitlement, and loss of a sense of sin are alarming,” said the CBCP.

They also noted how people are “constantly traumatized” by the effects of disasters and tragedies due to climate emergencies, worsened by substandard and underfunded structures.

“Private interests are protected over the common good and the welfare of the marginalized, including the indigenous peoples and poor communities,” it added.

The CBCP also rued the rise in poverty manifested by the rise in unemployment and the prices of commodities and services.

“It leads to a situation, where the rich become richer, the poor become poorer, and the powerful become more powerful,” said the CBCP.

The bishops also scored the scandalous misuse of public funds and resources; the questionable insertions, cuts, and adjustments in the national budget; and the anti-poverty programs that promote a culture of patronage and mendicancy are truly disturbing.

“As the elections draw near, we see how platforms of popularity, dynasty, and patronage are again exploited, making politics a family business,” said the bishops.

Despite all the issues, however, the CBCP said the Filipino faithful must cling to the “gift of hope.”

This, they said, includes freely standing up for truth; upholding the good and the rule of law; protecting democratic institutions and processes; and holding on to the power of accountability.

“Any action of hope is sourced from the Holy Spirit. As such, we exhort you, our dear people, to allow the hope within you to be rekindled. May it become a flame of hope,” they said.

“Hopelessness can lead to despair. Yet to hope is not to be overcome by fear and despair. Hopelessness can paralyze and enslave us. Yet hope gives us courage and freedom,” added the CBCP.

Last week, the CBCP had its 129th Plenary Assembly in Santa Rosa, Laguna. This was attended by more than 70 bishops from across all dioceses in the country.

Author

- Advertisement -

Share post: