In the issues confronting society we must be intent on seeking the truth. There’s some point in discussion or dialogue sharing as the expression goes: truth comes from discussion. That is, of course, when the participants are open and sincere at heart in seeking for the truth. Most surely God’s word is right in the following Bible quote: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him” (Mt. 7:7).
Certainly in this RH Bill issue, there are different angles to the truth. Let’s not forget one basic presupposition, that truth is identifiable or tantamount to reality. To tell the truth is tantamount to express the fact or reality as it is. It’s not a matter of subjective emotions or desires, since people may have different likes or feelings.
Let’s be sincere in standing for the truth, after all we are going to be judged or pay for it eternally if we lead others to error, falsehood and sin insinuating deceptive and superficial ideas that are based on greed and selfish foundations. The Church’s stand is based on protection of life, family values and unity, and the fact that man’s life on earth is transitory and is destined to live ever happily with God after loyally fulfilling His will here on earth. Every person will face God’s final judgment, as Jesus describes it in the gospel of Matthew chapter 25, verses 31-46, after having pursued and practiced true love of one’s neighbor, respecting his or her rights to life, liberty and property; food, clothing and shelter. “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his works” (Mt. 16:27; cf. Mt. 25:46; ).
In such complicated and muddled issue where the interplay of human interests and emotions come in, we must not forget that the Church’s intervention throughout history has brought in the guidance of our faith based on God’s word. There is a guarantee of truth from Jesus’ assurance when He said to St. Peter, the first Pope: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven” (Mt. 16:19-20). In the light of faith where we humble ourselves before God’s infallible wisdom, let’s not forget Jesus’ solemn advice and warning: “I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Lk. 18:17; Mk. 10:15; Mt. 18:1-4).
Many times we do not understand things of our faith. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts” (Is. 55:8-9). Even the famous stigmatist priest St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy gave an advice which is good for bright people who think they know everything: “Faith is not to be argued over; either you accept it with your eyes closed, admitting the inadequacy of the human mind to understand its mysteries, or you reject it. There is no middle way. The choice is up to you.”
Remember history; one way or another, in spite of all efforts to conceal it, the truth will come to be known. And the victory of Jesus Christ who said: “If you live according to my teaching, you are truly my disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn. 8:32). The lives of saints, their many miracles, are a testimony to that.
►God’s Law? ▬Ignorance of the Law excuses no one.
►Pro choice? ▬Being a rational animal, man has been given by God the freedom to choose between heaven or hell, if he so chooses to follow or violate God’s law – of love and justice. Yes indeed there is freedom of choice, but you are liable to pay the price of your obedience or disobedience. The two finalities of man are only either an eternal heavenly bliss or the eternal fires of hell. It’s not a matter of free or pro choice but making the right choice that will bring us to our final destiny; yes to be sure that the choice we make will bring us to the true finality in God’s Kingdom of eternal happiness. Man’s life on earth being transitory and a time of probation, the Church’s effort under Christ’s instruction is to teach the truth and help the human person avoid the eternal punishment of hell. To talk about hell is not to deceive humanity but an appeal for humanity’s salvation so they may be able to avoid the eternal punishment of hell fire with the devils after being duly warned. Jesus says it: “It is the truth that sets you free” (Jn. 8:32).
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