MANILA, Sept. 1, 2013—Amid the various scams and scandals plaguing the nation, the highest leader of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday called on Filipinos to shun greediness and live a life of simplicity rooted in becoming humble servants of the Divine.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle reminded the faithful of their rightful role as stewards of the Divine creation, criticizing the “appalling” arrogance of certain people who take advantage of less fortunate Filipinos.
“Look at the crisis we are experiencing now. The arrogance of those who claim what is not theirs is very appalling,” he said in his homily during the launch of the Season of Creation campaign held at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco.
“That is egoism. But do not fear for those who show great arrogance lose everything. They will be forced to accept the fact that they do not own anything,” he added.
The prelate called on the lay people to turn away from self-centeredness and be more sensitive to the needs of the greater majority.
“Do not fall to the trap of egoism. Our time now calls for humility, and those who live in greedy abundance greatly affect the common good,” Tagle said.
Noting that the abundance of some may cause hunger for those who are less fortunate, Tagle urged the people to live simply and contentedly by shunning the concentration of wealth to the privileged few and sharing their blessings to others.
“We have to lead a life that is not characterized by lavishness, but instead by adequateness that allows us to live simply and properly,” the prelate said. (Jennifer Orillaza)
