WHILE POVERTY and lack of education are seen as roots of evil, self-centeredness also plays a role in the persistence of sins and chaos, a bishop said, as he reminded those in authority about the purpose of their titles and posts.
During the anti-corruption rally held in EDSA Shrine on Sunday, June 28, Kidapawan Bishop Colin Bagaforo said the chaos confronting the nation can also be traced to the selfishness of its leaders who place their personal interests above the common good.
“If a person only thinks of himself — his welfare, his interest, his power, his worth — compassion for others slowly fades. And when you center the ‘self,’ corruption is easily accessible,” Bagaforo said during his homily for the Mass.
According to the prelate, selfishness makes corruption an easy choice because it pushes leaders to set aside the needs and well-being of others despite the trust given to them by citizens.
“That is why we should not just ask, why is there corruption? The deeper question is ‘why are there people prioritizing themselves other than the welfare of others?’ And the answer is clear, it is because of self-centeredness,” he said.
“If we center ourselves, we will be exposed to greed, individualism and the temptation of corruption. But if we center Christ, we will learn how to love, to serve, to sacrifice and to care [for others].”
Bagaforo reminded politicians that Jesus must be at the center of their lives to avoid the temptation of corruption, for the only way to reverse corruption is through prioritizing love for others instead of their own.
“Our capabilities are not only for our own good, but for the service of others. Our position, especially for our elected officials, is not made to rule, but to serve,” the prelate said.
Bagaforo urged Catholics to combat greed and selfishness with compassion, which he described as corruption’s true opposing force.
“The opposite of corruption is not just loyalty. The deeper opposition to corruption is love. The capability to understand what is good for others rather than our own good,” he said.
“Because a person that truly loves someone will not steal from others.”
The bishop also challenged the faithful to question who or what they prioritize in life, noting that a true Christian puts God first and others before themselves. He encouraged the faithful to emulate Jesus, who asked what else He can offer to the world instead of how His sacrifices are rewarded.
“He did not choose his own peace, he chose the cross to save others. He did not prioritize himself, he prioritized us all,” he said.
Dubbed as the “White Ribbon March,” the prayer rally involved various religious groups and civil society organizations who called for truth, accountability and justice against widespread corruption. It qas led by the Interreligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation, which is also headed by Bagaforo. F— with reports from Francia Migyel Violeta
