‘Be conscious of sin’ – Capalla

“Wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it. Right is right even if nobody is doing it.”

These were the words of Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla in his homily during the 64th fiesta mass in the Immaculate Conception Parish – Peñaplata. Capalla emphasized the callousness of conscience that pervades in today’s society. “This moral crisis has become a crisis of faith,” he said.

It has become difficult for some people now, national leaders included, to distinguish what is sinful and what is not. “Thus,” he reiterated, “the great importance of that sense of sin, without which, fear for punishment because of sin would be undermined. Consequently, sense of God would be lost since God alone can punish man for his sins. However, this crisis can be remedied through the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” Capalla continued.

Through this, the human person can be helped reform his conscience, thereby, praising him for the good things done and troubling him for bad the bad ones. Moreover, he expounded on two things: First, is on the splendor and beauty of individual human person. Accordingly, every person is unique and beautiful. “Every person is special because he/she is created in the image and likeness of God.” Second, is on the immensity of the love of God. His son Jesus Christ has become one like us so that we may have communion with God.

Finally, towards the end of his homily, Abp. Capalla exhorted the faithful to join him in asking Mama Mary’s intercession as all will continue to battle against sin in the way to heaven, as everybody prayed: “Oh Mary, conceived without original sin, pray for us who plead for your help.” (Lemuel Asdang, ICP-Peñaplata SoCCom)