LAYKO CONGRESS: THE ROLE OF THE LAITY

(A reflection by Fr. Allan Joie Nuñez: Part 2  of 3)
We are called to participative action as a Church. If you think that being a Catholic and being complacent (dual about our faith) are compatible then you are wrong. “Woe to you who are at ease and wavering between two paths”(Sirach 2:12). As I said at the beginning, we do what God wills. “Either you are with Me or against Me”(Matt.12:30 ). “You cannot be just hearers and not concrete doers” (James 1:22). Walk the talk!

Let me quote from our official Catechism for Filipino Catholics: “Since we Filipino Catholics constitute the majority of our nation, we hold the primary responsibility for building a just Philippine Society. PCP-2 urges the lay faithful to participate actively and lead” in social transformation; in renewal of our politics, economics, environment, peace and order, … to engage in “common good” issues, inclusive total human development, to act in whatever capacity (social media, personal example, citizen’s mass action, civil society…) in unity with the Church, to put God back into our godless world of materialism, consumerism, relativity, hedonism, and every evil ism that is making human life oppressive, most especially for the poor, the marginalized, the victims in society.
• If you are a government official: do not steal from the national treasury; serve our people as God wills. Do not cheat just to win the election. Do not kill.

• If you are a government employee: do not participate in corruption. Serve our people as God wills. Do not be a politician’s servant but a public servant.

• If you are a Filipino citizen: do not sell your vote. Choose the right candidate based on proven track record of service to our people as God wills. Care for the environment and all of God’s creation.

• If you are an OFW: your sacrifice for your family is an example of Christian cross-bearing. You show the world what being a Christian Filipino is all about. Do not waste your sacrifices for nothing. Stay with God even in godless places.

• If you are a businessman: do not be greedy. Pay your taxes religiously. Serve your customers as God wills. Do not under-pay your workers or over-charge your buyers.

• If you are a media personality: be a good Christian example. Use your influence with the masses as a means to do God’s will. Do not lie. Do not live a lie.

• If you are a father or a mother: spend quality time with your children. God’s will for you is to steward His children (they are not yours). They will copy what you are; not what you say. Do not forget to pray or go to church as a family. Lead them in The Way.

• If you are a teacher: teach God’s children to fear God. Do not teach them something that God wills the Catholic Church to forbid. You are not a teacher first and a Catholic second.

• If you are a young adult or a child: do not waste your time; seek first the Kingdom of God. It is God’s will that you obey your parents, study hard, and grow up to be wise.

• If you are a Catholic RICH/POOR: connect to the Church. Do you not belong to a GKK?