CATHOLICS MUST uphold justice and truth despite the prevalence of misinformation during global conflicts, the UST rector said.
During his homily for Good Friday, UST rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. reminded the faithful to practice discernment at a time when truth is obscured by shifting narratives and public pressure.
“This is a moral duty. As Christians, we are not meant to follow the masses or the crowd. We are called to follow Jesus and be an upstander,” Ang said at the Santísimo Rosario Parish on Friday, April 3.
Ang cited the sharp contrast between the readings in Palm Sunday and Good Friday, where Christ first received praise from the people before being condemned as a criminal.
“Jesus is king for a day, and proclaimed as a criminal on another day,” he said.
According to the rector, the condemnation of Christ remains present in the modern world as people jump to unreasonable judgment once distorted by prejudice and emotions.
“Our weakness may be given here. We accept God when the situation is good and favorable to us. We leave it in the air when we have nothing to gain or we are placed in perjury,” he added.
The distortion of truth also became more evident as tensions rose between the United States and Iran, Ang said. He explained that opposing political narratives affect the public’s understanding of the issue.
“In a war, no one really wins, everyone is defeated… even us, we are defeated because the [oil] prices are rising… and all of us are worried,” he added.
Ang encouraged the faithful to discern when faced with conflicting narratives, as pressure and fear may influence judgment.
“It’s hard to be a single voice that stands in the middle of the crowd,” he said.
The rector also warned against anchoring faith based on convenience rather than principle, using the term “balimbing” or star fruit to describe Christians who switch sides for self-interests. The fruit is a metaphor for turncoats because of its multiple sides.
Ang urged Catholics to move beyond conformity and instead become witnesses to truth and justice, even if it means going against the majority.
“In a sea of misinformation and deceit, truth is difficult to locate. But the truth doesn’t change even if someone tries to cover it with lies. Do we have enough guts to stand up for the truth and to speak against injustice?,” he said.
He also encouraged Catholics to emulate Mary and John, who exemplified loyalty when they remained beside Christ during His crucifixion despite potential threats to their lives. Such a stance reflects the kind of commitment expected of Christians in times of moral uncertainty, the rector said.
“Loyalty… is a daily choice to stand with Jesus whether it is convenient or costly,” Ang said.
Showing loyalty to the truth despite moments of hardship would also allow one to experience consolation, he added.
“Because in love and in friendship, loyalty is not just temporary; it is endless,” the rector said.
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian doctrine, sacrificed to save humanity from sin. F
