Bring in the
Christian perspective
By Fr.
ROY CIMAGALA, roycimagala@gmail.com
June 20, 2020
IN tackling issues that
are always open to a variety of opinions, we should always let the
Christian perspective to bear on them. If we are truly faithful to
that Christian perspective, we would know how to resolve contentious
matters with a certain precision that is never just a matter of a
simplistic black-and-white approach but rather one that will always
be characterized by a sober pursuit for truth and fairness in the
spirit of charity.
It’s when we depart from
this Christian perspective and would just rely on some ideologies,
and much less on mere off-the-cuff opinions based simply on what we
consider as common sense and other human ways of perception, that we
can get into trouble. Instead of attaining the real common good, we
can only generate more division and polarization that will leave a
trail of anger, hatred and the like.
We have to seriously take
this duty of learning how to bring in the Christian perspective into
our collective discussions and exchanges. We cannot deny that this
way of discussing about issues is lamentably missing. We can even
say that some people have gone to the extent that this so-called
Christian perspective is unrealistic and impractical.
To be sure, to have a
Christian perspective in tackling issues does not mean that we can
only have one uniform position or view. It can lend itself to a
variety of legitimate positions given the variety of situations and
circumstances that we can find ourselves. Its precision is never
rigid. It will always be open to any position no matter how
different and conflicting they may be, as long as in the end that
position or view is animated by charity.
Let’s remember that it is
charity that will always presume and perfect the other two
theological virtues of faith and hope. Without it, no matter how
much we think we are right in something because of our faith and
hope, we would still be wrong.
Remember St. Paul talking
about the preeminence of charity over all the other virtues: “Love
never fails. Where there are prophecies, they will cease. Where
there are tongues, they will be stilled. Where there is knowledge,
it will pass away…Faith, hope and love remain. But the greatest of
these is love.” (1 Cor 13,8.13)
And this charity is shown
to us fully in Christ who commands us to live it ourselves also. “A
new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have
loved you,” he said. (Jn 13,34)
The Christian perspective
is always characterized by charity more than anything else. It is
this charity, as shown by Christ, that is willing to take on
anything, understanding everyone, giving compassion and offering
mercy to everyone, willing to suffer and die for everyone.
The truth according to our
faith, of course, would be offered, explained and clarified,
propagated and defended, but in the end the ultimate truth is in the
charity as shown and lived by Christ.
So, let us train ourselves
always to be charitable in our discussions and exchanges. This may
involve a certain open-mindedness, willingness to listen to
everyone, the practice of restraint, moderation and delicacy even as
we may push our position forcefully.
Definitely, we need to be
humble because it is pride that can spoil everything. With humility
we can actually continue to learn even from our mistakes and those
of the others.
We have to be quick to ask
forgiveness if we happen to commit a mistake which is always a
possibility, as well as to be quickly forgiving when other parties
commit mistakes. Yes, we have to be prudent and tactful in our
speech. Most of all, we should be willing to suffer, because in this
life, no matter how right we may be in a certain issue, suffering
and misunderstanding can always arise.
The Christian perspective
is not so much in determining who is right or wrong. It’s in living
charity in our diversity!