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Joy has always been a key word and a main idea in Scriptures and Church teachings. But it is often reduced to a dictionary definition because it is taken for granted. The true meaning of joy, however, is ever so intricately woven into the Gospel narratives, and can only be discovered in Him for whom the Gospels were written.
In many of his pronouncements, Pope Francis has constantly clamored for a “church of the poor.” Although many members of the clergy and laity are beginning to follow the Holy Father’s lead, many are still confused about which direction the Church should take because of the existing structures and values within the Church. Only with an overhaul and reorientation of these values can the Pope’s dream of a truly poor church be eventually realized.
In a highly-capitalistic society such as ours, it seems that making a profit is the end-goal of everyone who possesses money. History has been witness to this, prompting even the major religions to lay down rules to discourage profiteering. It is, therefore, very odd to encounter persons or groups who lend out money to the needy, even without profit. However, keeping at heart the things that matter the most in this world, as Jesus continually reminds us in the Gospels, helps us to see money,
not through greedy eyes, but through the economics of faith.
Money, as depicted in media, is the root of evil. Even Jesus, during His public ministry, went head on against the evils of money. Money, however, has a positive side to it, especially if it is used to feed the hungry and to aid those who need it the most. Digging deeper into Jesus’ teachings helps us to understand that it is not the evil of money itself that we are up against, but our desire to accumulate more, as well as our failure to distinguish what matters more in life… and after this life.
In an interview with WM, lawyer and agrarian reform advocate Christian Monsod gave an insight into the struggling farmers’ mind, what the farmers’ dreams, aspirations, and frustrations are, as the fight for land continues, amid the growing indifference shown by the government and influential landowners. As a constitutionalist, Monsod shared his thoughts on why
the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Act failed and, on a larger scale, why social reform programs in the country continue to fail, even after a dictatorial regime. Finally, as a fighter for freedom and justice, Monsod warned of possible upheaval and bloodshed if the farmers’ patience continues to be tested, and their rightful share of the land persistently withheld.
After the downfall of the dictatorial Marcos regime in 1986, many laws were enacted by the newly-installed democratic Philippine government to ensure the restoration and dispensation of social justice and human rights. Among these is the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, the goal of which was to distribute land, amassed by the wealthy, to poor farmers. Almost three decades into its implementation, however, false promises by officials and loopholes within the law itself continue to prevent farmers from receiving their due, jeopardizing not only the lives of poor farming families
but the food security of the country as well.
Culture plays a critical role in the interpretation of concepts, including matters of faith. In Oriental cultures, the concept of power is rooted in nature, the universe, and even in consciousness. Taking into consideration these cultural saliencies in religious instruction in Asia has allowed for a better understanding of Christian beliefs, particularly with regard to the concept of power and the Holy Spirit.
The concepts of power and grace, and their transfer from the origin, i.e., God, to His creation, are illustrated not only in the Sacred Scriptures, but also in the Sacraments of the Church. The reality of the existence of this power is not only limited to the context of the Christian faith, but is also confirmed in other religions, as well as the metaphysical, and even in medicine. In addition, the transfer of power and grace from God to His creation not only entails carrying out specific symbolic gestures and rituals, but more importantly, requires genuine faith.
In a country where poverty thrives but opportunities to overcome it are very scarce, football has provided a level-playing field for poor children to develop themselves and aim for greatness. With the right attitude and determination, street children can rise from their limitations and become somebody – not merely a statistic in the growing number of poor households in a highly materialistic society.
Despite her disability, armless pilot Jessica Cox has been inspiring thousands of people around the globe because of her various achievements. Her determination to go against what society dictates to be “normal” is proof that everyone is created equal by God and that all difficulties can be overcome. This passion to live and to inspire has led her back to her mother’s hometown, one of the many hit by Supertyphoon Haiyan (locally known as ‘Yolanda’) in Central Philippines, to give her people the same encouragement that they unwittingly gave her – to strive to live a full life despite problems and difficulties.
