Christmas jeers
WHAT a way to prepare for Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Peace. Christmas signifies the forgiveness of our sins. He offered humankind life an eternal life in heaven as His gift. The Word became flesh not “to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Instead we get Christmas jeers. In our faces at that. Look at the headlines of national dailies the other day. Duterte wants six executions daily (Philippine Star). PNP chief: Forgive us, but killings in drug war will continue (Philippine Daily Inquirer).
Filipinos are promised not a gift of life, but gifts of death in this supposedly joyful season. Exaggeration?
This week, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released showing that eight out of every 10 Filipinos fear they might fall victim to the rampant killings amid government’s brutal war on drugs.
Seventy-eight percent of 1,500 respondents in the December 3 to 6 poll said they were worried that they or anyone they know will die due to the drug fight.
No wonder. A few months ago, President Rodrigo Duterte described innocent people and children as “collateral damage” in his war on drugs because police use automatic weapons when confronting criminals.
He added that those cases would be investigated but added that police can kill hundreds of civilians without criminal liability. Chilling, but not because of the cold Siberian winds.
I lend my voice to the prayer against the death penalty that Churches invoke before the end of Holy Mass.
Father of life, we lift our hearts and voices to you and beg you to help us to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.
For those experiencing pain and anguish because of violence and crime, for perpetrators and victims who both struggle with hatred and rage. For our broken world, enchained by the pain of revenge, for our wounded society pursuing the illusion that one must take life in order to defend it.
For our country, plagued by its acceptance of violent revenge. For the recognition and upholding of the dignity of all people. For the wisdom to see poverty and lack of educational and employment opportunities as likely causes of criminality.
For guidance and compassion in addressing the pain of both victims and perpetrators, for the fortitude to create solutions that uphold the dignity of all and bring true reconciliation.
Jesus, our Brother, You suffered execution at the hands of the state but you did not let hatred overcome You. Help us to reach out to victims of violence so that our enduring love may help them heal.
You strengthen us in the struggle for justice. Help us to work tirelessly against state-sanctioned death and to renew our society in its very heart so that violence will be no more.
Lord, heal our pain. Help us to make peace. Amen.