MANILA, Philippines — Power should not be used to bully others.
This was Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle’s reminder to the faithful as he led the celebration of the traditional Simbang Gabi or dawn masses leading to Christmas Day.
“Do not bully anyone. Do not use your power to disrespect others. Do not use your power to coerce others,” the prelate said in his homily at the Manila Cathedral yesterday.
“Just because you are in power, you already have the right to trample upon others. In truth, the bully, he who uses power to belittle his fellow man, he is the one who is most afraid and insecure,” Tagle stressed.
The cardinal was quoting Saint Paul’s advice on how to achieve happiness and said that it remained applicable to today’s situation.
“The message I’m reading was from the time of Jesus, but it seems that it was written just yesterday. The secret to happiness is still the same: do not belittle others,” he explained.
Tagle, head of nation’s Catholic hierarchy, did not mention any political leader. But his message came following repeated tirades of President Duterte against the Catholic Church, which has been critical of his war on illegal drugs where thousands of suspects had been killed in police operations.
The President has persistently attacked Catholic bishops and priests in his public speeches – from calling God “stupid,” questioning the story of creation in the Bible to calling on the Filipinos to no longer go to Church.
Yesterday, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde was among those who attended the first dawn mass.
Albayalde also met with Tagle at the Manila Cathedral.
In the same homily, Tagle asked the faithful to share their blessings and remain honest to be truly happy during the Christmas season.
The cardinal likewise took a swipe at the youth for always seeking pleasure and a good time.
“For the youth: you always look for gimik (good times). Just be happy with Jesus and you’ll find a different kind of happiness,” he appealed.
Tagle also briefly met with National Capital Regional Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar, who inspected the security in several churches in the capital.
Eleazar took the hand of Tagle for blessing, after which they chatted and shook hands.
Police said there was no report of any disturbance on the first day of the Simbang Gabi in Metro Manila, but assured the public that police visibility will be heightened in churches and roads to maintain peace ahead of Christmas.