Forgo dependence on money, says Tagle

MEETING THE FAITHFUL Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle meets the faithful after the Palm Sunday Mass he officiated at Manila Cathedral. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

FOR HOLY Week, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is encouraging the faithful to forgo their dependence on money, forsake violence and be merciful to neighbors and enemies.

In his sermon Sunday, Tagle lamented how people’s obsession with money and power had made them cold to the needs of their neighbors.

“The world today no longer counts on God. We count on money, arms, private armies, intimidation and connection, and if we continue to do these, it is very easy to lose mercy [for] our neighbors,” said Tagle, who officiated Mass at Manila Cathedral in observance of Palm Sunday.

Catholics flocked to churches to have their palm fronds blessed and recall Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Deploring the people’s tendency toward materialism, Tagle alluded to the $81-million money-laundering scheme involving the Philippines.

“How can we learn from Jesus’ mercy and compassion in a world without mercy and compassion?” he asked.

“Millions of dollars changing hands and until today we do not know [who is responsible]. Everyone is washing their hands [of it]. Where is mercy? Where is compassion?” he said.

“This Holy Week, let us learn from Jesus Christ how we can bring back mercy and compassion to our world,” he added.

Tagle said the message of the passion and death of Jesus was for people to learn to forgo their desire for revenge against their enemies and to put their trust in God when wronged.

“Jesus was hurt but he chose to be silent and not to seek vengeance … . He even begged God to forgive those who hurt him,” the archbishop said.

“Let us put our faith in God [so] we will have peace of mind and we will learn to love our enemies,” he said.