SO much condemnation goes on in our society today, especially in social media, television, and digital world. People condemn each other for their different opinions on social, political, religious, and cultural issues. Because of this milieu, one either choose to be courageous, timid, or silent about presenting his or her thoughts and feelings.
Of course, as a democratic society, we exercise our freedom of speech. But often we abuse it through vulgar, rude, cruel, indecent, and disrespectful words. Some of our leaders who we expect to be models of decency and diplomacy are the first ones that abuse this right. And we excuse them for doing it anyway because of our belief in their political causes.
What is crude or cruel now in speech seems to have become “normal” or “cultural.” If this is the trend in our society now, I’m afraid for the children we are raising as adult citizens of one’s nation. This may be one of the disadvantages or pitfalls of social media and populism in politics.
Schools, universities, churches, temples and local communities play a vital role in taming down and eradicating this culture of hatred, violence, and condemnation. By fostering the age-old values of respectful dialogue, decency, diplomacy, empathy, compassion, mercy and forgiveness, they would help restore a morally decaying society.
In the Gospel this Sunday, we find the same culture of condemnation and hatred. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman they caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, hoping that he will condemn her too by urging the crowd to stone her to death according to the Mosaic Law. As the Gospel relates, the scribes and Pharisees also wanted to test him. So, they put him in a situation where he may appear to be in conflict with Moses and the Law so that they might have some charge to bring against him.
To the surprise of the scribes, Pharisees, and the bystanders, Jesus did the most diplomatic, decent, and respectful act. Bending down quietly and writing on the ground, as if carefully thinking of a response, he asked the crowd, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then one by one, beginning with the elders, went away.
In this Gospel, Jesus models for us the proper response to one’s critiques and enemies. We must pray and carefully think about our defenses and responses. Are they born out of love, charity, mercy, empathy, and respect? Or do they manifest arrogance, self-righteousness, hatred, disrespectfulness, rigidity, and unforgiveness? Ultimately, each of us, on whichever side we are on, needs to be honest about one’s feelings and thoughts.
Yes, it’s one thing to express one’s views in the light of freedom of speech, but it’s another thing to attack a person indiscriminately. It’s one thing to fight for a cause, it’s another thing curse one’s opponents to death.
The Gospel this Sunday provides some tips to prevent self-righteousness and hatred towards one’ neighbor. First, look at our shortcomings and imperfections first before condemning anyone. Then we realize that we too are not perfect as we think we are. Second, always have the mind and heart of Jesus Christ who regards everyone with dignity, love, compassion, and respect.
May we grow in charity, compassion, mercy, and compassion both in words and actions this time of Lent! Amen.
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From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1991-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
