Traffic woes: Discipline is the key

Traffic woes? They are not only in the streets but also in the church. What it needs is discipline.

Marichu saw this firsthand in Korea. From all the experiences she had there, she highlighted what she observed in Myeongdong Cathedral or the cathedral Church of the Immaculate Conception in the Archdiocese of Seoul located in the Myeongdong neighborhood of Jong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

The cathedral is a community landmark and a notable symbol of Catholicism in Korea. It is also one of Korea’s earliest and most notable examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

Though beautiful to behold it was something else that enthralled Marichu, something far more beautiful and sent her wishing the same for her own people, the Filipino churchgoers.

It was Sunday so the Holy Mass was very well-attended with some participants standing but only at the back and not on the sides of the Cathedral. She could not recall if there were children because no one was running around unrestrained.

During offertory, participants lined up to bring their gifts to the altar. She took note also of the well-ordered coming and going despite the number of people even during Communion. No one was making announcements or giving instructions on what and when to do. At dismissal, people waited for the final song to end before leaving their seats, row by row. There was no pushing or rushing to get out first. Same thing happened for those coming in for the next Mass; they only entered when the church was emptied.

It was not only inside the church that discipline was observed. Even in the markets or in the streets, discipline was remarkable.

Fr. Marbendear Morallas also shared the same observation in some countries in Europe he had been to.

On a one road lane, for example, he said that the movement of vehicles in an intersection was like a zipper being closed as these entered one after the other. Pedestrians were seen walking towards designated lanes to cross the street. Road rules were simply observed.

Most Filipinos abroad are also praised for their discipline. Yet, we behave otherwise when we are in our home country.

Discipline is in our minds. Yet, our hands and our feet are slow to catch up. Look how we behave inside the church. We behave no differently from people and vehicles crossing or running in our streets rushing to the shortest way to cut their time.

To discipline pedestrians and drivers, our government imposes traffic rules. These are meant to protect anyone from mishaps on the road. What about in our church?

Someday that dream of Marichu will hopefully come true: discipline inside the church. When it happens it will redound to the streets or anywhere a Catholic goes.

As Davao City revives its Anti-Jaywalking ordinance under the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City last December 1, may everybody obey, because you and I hold the key.