Christian by name

My heart melts as I am hurt and offended every time I encounter an “unchristian” Christian. I know a few people who claim to be Catholic Christians, but then what they are doing is against the examples set forth by Jesus on how to be truly Christians.

The sad thing is we say that we are Christians while others have the name “Christian” but are very far from being true Christians. Most of them are “stereotypes” and very biased. They easily and immediately believe a bad story about a person and, sad to say, this despite all the good things that person had shown them.

I am puzzled by how individuals who are part of the Church community can be quick to judge, condemn, and shun someone who has experienced difficulties in their life.

Why can’t we follow what Jesus says in the Gospels — to forgive not only seven times but seventy times seven times? Look at what Jesus did when a sinner was presented to Him. Did He judge the person and avoid her? No! What Jesus did was bend down on the ground and write something. Afterward, He said to the people who were there, “Let the one among you who is without sin cast the first stone.”

Again, he bent down and wrote on the ground. In response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. Then Jesus straightened up and told her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on sin no more.” Wow! Jesus did a wonderful and meaningful action that set a good example for us.

For example, today is a Sunday, a Day of the Lord, on which all Christians are supposed to focus, such as meditating on the Word of God, praying for the sick and those in need, praying for the enlightenment of those who went astray, and more. But what is happening?

There are groups that have managed to recruit, organize, and conduct non-religious events in Bustos, Bulacan, to air their grievances against the Philippine government.

Meanwhile, we have the members of Alyansa Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya who will lead a peace rally this afternoon in Mendiola, Manila. They will assemble at Nicanor Reyes Street (formerly Morayta) in Manila and then march towards Mendiola. According to their leader, Rodolfo “RJ” Villena Jr., they are doing this to protest the intrusion of the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea and to urge Beijing to respect the decision of the United Nations on the Law of the Sea.

Before going to Mendiola, the group will stage a short dramatization to show the unity of the Filipinos in protecting the WPS and our Exclusive Economic Zone against the China Coast Guard, which is said to be bullying our local fisherfolk in the area.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government, led by its chief executive, Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, recently honored all exemplary Filipinos in commemorating the “Day of Valor” held at the UP Diliman University Hotel.

Former House Speaker and ex-Quezon City Mayor, Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, stood among the honored recipients, receiving a special accolade for his steadfast commitment to the Bantayog cause.

Esteemed figures, including Atty. Felipe Gozon, Gloria Jopson-Kintanar, Jose “Pete” Lacaba, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Carolina “Bobbie” Malay, Helen Mendoza, Artemio Panganiban, former Antique Governor Salvacion Perez, Judy Araneta-Roxas, former Senators Wigberto Tañada and the late Rene Saguisag and Deogracias Vistan were also recognized for their significant contributions.

Mayor Belmonte said they paid tribute to exemplary Filipinos at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation and acknowledged their unwavering support over the decades.

She graciously hosted the ceremony, emphasizing the city’s enduring commitment to honoring the legacy of courage and sacrifice.