BOOKS

BOOKS

 

…the Book of the Covenant, that had been found in the temple of the Lord. – 2 Kings 23:2

 

I’m an avid reader of books. Most of the things I know came from the books I read. When I was younger my mom would buy me a book a month, and when I started earning my own money, I’d buy books with my salary.

The things we read can really influence what we believe in. When I first read The Da

Vinci Code, I almost believed in what Dan Brown wrote about Jesus’ life and His alleged relationship with Mary Magdalene. Although it did not make me believe in God less, it made me wonder if what was written was somehow real, especially since the author mentioned he did some research.

After much thinking, it hit me that it’s a work of fiction so why would I put my faith in a fictitious novel? And if it was based on research, then why should I believe in whatever Da Vinci may have said about Jesus Christ, when I don’t think he even had a personal relationship with Him? When it comes to matters of the faith, there is only one book I will choose to believe: the Bible. Tina Matanguihan (tina.matanguihan@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Don’t forget to read the Bible today.

 

Lord, help me to discern what is true and what I should believe in all that I read.

STANDING AS PARTICIPANTS IN THE COVENANT

 

We got this Tagalog word from the Spaniards — miron (mirontes in the plural). It literally means an onlooker, someone who just watches as things happen, one who just stands there and ogles at everything that meets the curious but uncritical eye. We Pinoys just love to do this. When neighbors quarrel, we gawk and eavesdrop. When showbiz people strut their private lives for the whole world to see, we talk about them in endless gossip columns on TV, radio and the borderless Internet world.

King Josiah in today’s first reading just would not tolerate “rubber neckers” who simply gawk at what’s going on. He wanted participation. He pushed for proactive commitment. “And all the people stood as participants in the covenant.” It is easy for us to just stand there or be passive fence-sitters. We could not care less if traditional politicians ruin our nation by killing us softly with their evil ways. We could not be more passive as we watch our country’s natural resources being sold for 30 pieces of silver, so these irresponsible people could stack up enough money for personal comfort and for the next elections. We simply adore our “public servants” who seem to have a genetic birthright to pass their “public service” to their wives, son, son-in-law, and other actual “outlaws” who happen to come from their privileged political class. We simply take in everything, hook, line and sinker, and watch in mock horror how the media moment takes the better of us, and progressively dehumanizes the Filipino people with their rigged contests and make-believe world of “social responsibility,” all done with a full measure of condescending and humiliating jokes at the expense of the poor.

Standing as participants would mean: “Be on guard against false prophets.” (Read: Be wary of whom you elect into office!) “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Read: Don’t just stand there! Be involved!)Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

How well do I exercise my constitutional right to help shape this nation?

 

Dear God, rule over the hearts of all our people. Wake us up and inspire us to be actively involved in shaping a better society.

 

St. Walhere, pray for us.