In launching a moral force movement, Chief Justice Reynato Puno lamented that Asia’s only predominantly Catholic country is also Asia’s most corrupt. That rank in corruption improved in the latest survey taken among expatriates in Asia by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, but Puno’s lament still resonates. He bemoaned that in the eyes of the world, the Philippines has become a “moral pariah.”
Filipinos have just gone through a weeklong commemoration of the passion and death of Jesus Christ, culminating in today’s celebration of Easter. The week traditionally gives the nation a respite from the venomous political squabbling that has become a staple in national life. It is supposed to be a season of atonement and forgiveness, though it is rare for political enemies in this country to reconcile in observance of Holy Week.
The spotlight is focused on penitents — not the ones who seek forgiveness for their sins in private, but those who seek atonement through self-flagellation and even actual crucifixion in full view of the public. It is a mark of the influence of the Church in this Catholic country that it has been unable to dissuade penitents from performing this annual bloody ritual, which has turned into a major Lenten tourism draw.
For some, observance of the rituals of Lent has become superficial, with the Holy Week seen merely as an annual opportunity for a vacation. This is the peak week of the summer tourism season, not only because of the long break but also because the weather makes it a great time for going to the beach and the mountains. It can be difficult to think of spiritual matters while taking in the sights and interacting with other tourists.
For others, the week is still seen as a period of spiritual contemplation leading to renewal on the feast of the risen Christ. If that spiritual renewal could be achieved by more people and sustained, this predominantly Christian country would be a much better place.