Self-reflection

The highest official in the Catholic Church in Cebu urged churchgoers to focus on self-reflection this Lent. In his Palm Sunday message, Archbishop Palma said that there might have been actions we’ve done that don’t align with the values of Jesus. I remember the song “Hosanna”, where the Supreme Being is exalted, yet the singer’s own intentions are never checked --whether they are right or wrong. The way I see self-reflection, it is a time to pause and examine one’s inner motives.

This year’s Lenten season may be especially challenging for many of us who have gone through online persecution at the height of the campaign season. Our choices may have become the basis for others to attack --not just for the people we support, but in a way that feels deeply personal. Some individuals have grown adept at sharing unverified information as long as it fits their narrative. Regardless of whether they claim to fight for the truth or not, for them, online engagement is what truly matters during these trying times.

It is most difficult for those running for public office. The public appearances at peace covenants, along with promises of clean elections, often feel like mere performances. A colleague of mine once said it’s the highest form of plastikan --a new level of pretending. Candidates show off to the cameras, shaking hands and forming a truce until the polls are over, but we all know that behind the scenes are supporters ready to storm the internet to discredit their opponents. Others may have an army behind screens and keyboards.

The ordinary voter is not spared either. Self-reflection tends to avoid the uncomfortable topic of accepting money from candidates in exchange for a vote. The mind often argues that it’s harmless --that they’re just giving back a portion of our daily taxes. “Think of it as a rebate or cashback for your contribution.” However, ethics are compromised on both sides. That money could have gone to something more meaningful than vote-buying, and the ordinary citizen becomes an accessory to a new generation of corruption.

The Church will always stand by its morals, as enshrined in the Bible and other sacred documents. Its followers are obligated to follow these teachings in hopes of reaching heaven when the time comes. Many treat faith like a wage, something to be compensated with blessings or better lives. All I know is that, by now, it feels murky to mix one's faith with the political ideals we believe in. Some of them simply don’t sit well with what’s written in Scripture.

I only hope that, as we go through the rest of this week, the self-reflection we practice goes beyond the traditional church visitations and cooking of binignit. It must include a deeper introspection of the choices we make --not only for ourselves but for the generations that will live with them. We must not forget that one single shade on the ballot equals three years' worth of leadership. Make use of the time to reflect well.