Can I learn German quickly?

 

Nick Schön

It depends on what other languages you know. If you know only English, it will take a while because although some English and German words are remarkably similar, and more still can be correctly guessed, the way they are used and assembled into sentences often isn't. Translating English into German or visa-versa isn't straight forward for that reason.

For instance, "half" in German is "halb". So you'd think that half past nine would be "Halb neun". It isn't. In German, it's "Halb zehn" because they count the hour the minutes advance to, not the hour that has past. So you see, there is a conceptual difference that occurs frequently in learning German, and if you try to rush it or abbreviate it, you'll be "durcheinander" (which means "confused" or "in a jumble" and not, as a literal translation implies, "through each other").

Imelda Papin unveils her biopic

Philippine Jukebox Queen and politician Imelda Papin (center) flanked by Claudine Barretto, who portrays her in the biopic (right), and Alice Dixon who was cast as former first lady Imelda Marcos.

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola

December 6, 2023 20

Congratulations are due Philippine Jukebox Queen Imelda Papin for the successful premiere of her biographic film, "Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin."

Three entire cinemas were filled to capacity at SM Megamall in Pasig City with Papin's decades-long fans, friends, family and media eager to fill in certain gaps in the singer-turned-politician's life story.

Her biopic is titled "Loyalista" because it doesn't just follow her rise to fame from a humble fisherfolk family in Bicol, but also chronicles her support for the Marcos family, even after former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. was exiled to Hawaii in 1986.

Claudine Barretto was cast to portray Papin, alongside Gary Estrada as her husband Bong Carrion, ER Ejercito as Marcos, Sr., Alice Dixon as former first lady Imelda Marcos, and the singer's daughter Maffi Papin as herself.

The film was specially made to celebrate Papin's 45th year in the industry and took a year to make because of the research the project involved.

"All of the depictions here are true and not just speculation. They are drawn from my mother's childhood, development, and strong sense of loyalty, along her friendship with President Ferdinand Marcos and his thge First Lady all the way in Hawaii where we followed them in the '80s."

The movie revealed how Papin's life was endangered after the Marcoses left for Malacanang, given her widely known support for the political family. She lived in Hawaii for some time for her safety, where she continued to nurture her closeness with the former first couple and how they served as her inspiration to serve the Filipino people.

It has yet to be announced when "Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin" will hold its commercial screening.

PH bags four major travel awards

By  Moises Cruz

December 6, 2023 

(UPDATE) THE Philippines bagged four major awards at the World Travel Awards 2023 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 1 (Dubai Time).

For the first time, the Philippines received the Global Tourism Resilience Award for demonstrating "global leadership, pioneering vision and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity."

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno received the Philippines' four awards from the World Travel Awards in a ceremony held in Dubai. PHOTO FROM DOT CENTRAL OFFICE 

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno received the Philippines' four awards from the World Travel Awards in a ceremony held in Dubai. PHOTO FROM DOT CENTRAL OFFICE

As one of only five countries and destinations worldwide cited for this inaugural award, the Philippines and other "inaugural winners will serve as benchmarks for best practices in tourism resilience." The Philippines was also named the World's Leading Dive Destination and the World's Leading Beach Destination for the second time, defending the titles in 2022. For the first time, the Philippines was named the World's Leading City Destination for its capital, Manila.

"With these remarkable triumphs, the Philippines reinforces its position as an unparalleled destination, inviting travelers to explore our captivating shores, vibrant underwater realms and dynamic urban landscapes as they immerse in our culture and heritage, and create unforgettable memories with the distinct grace and hospitality of the Filipino people," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 30th annual World Travel Awards seeks to recognize achievements in travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

 

Caritas Philippines seeks security for Christian gatherings

Call follows deadly bombing at a Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi that killed at least 4 people. 

By Ronlad O Reyes

Published: December 04, 2023 07:08 AM GMT

The humanitarian arm of the Philippines Church has called for security at Christian gatherings in the wake of a deadly bombing at a Mass in the Catholic-majority nation.

“Concerted efforts must be made to prevent the recurrence of such violent incidents and to safeguard the fundamental right to worship without fear," Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, said, reacting to the death of four students at a Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi, the country's largest Muslim city, in the restive southern Philippines, on Dec. 3.

I am appalled “by the blatant act of terror that the perpetrators were able to commit,” the prelate said of the blast that also wounded 50 others and was caused by an improvised explosive device. 

The president of the pontifical charity in the archipelago urged all stakeholders, including the government and religious leaders, “to collaborate” to foster peace.

In a statement, Caritas Philippines expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a stern warning to the perpetrators.

"Rest assured, we will bring the perpetrators of this ruthless act to justice.”

Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, is home to many Islamist insurgent groups.

The Philippine military wrested back Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur, in the southern Philippines after months of fighting Islamic-State fighters who seized it in May 2017.

During the Marawi siege, Mindanao State University became a center point of the government forces.

On Dec. 3, the university suspended classes and all academic activities "until further notice” and deployed additional security personnel.

"We stand in solidarity with our Christian community and all those affected by this tragedy," the university said in a statement.

The government believes the bombing might have been a revenge attack following a “decisive military operation” by the army that killed 11 members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the remote village of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town on Dec. 1.

What happened this Sunday morning could be a “retaliatory attack," said chief of the army General Romeo Brawner Jr. at a press conference on Dec. 3.

On Dec. 4, Brigadier General Allan Nobleza, Bangsamoro police chief, said the probe was progressing well.

“In order not to preempt the investigation, we will not divulge names,” said Nobleza on a morning TV program.

In 2014, the government inked a peace pact with the largest rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, However, militant attacks on buses, Catholic churches and public markets continued by smaller bands of Muslim fighters opposed to the peace deal. 

Mindanao folk uneasy amid strong aftershocks

 

SAFER HERE Residents of Barangay Bitoon in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, on Monday set up makeshift shelters in a school ground for fear of staying in their houses, which might give way to strong aftershocks in the wake of Saturday’s magnitude 7.4 earthquake. —ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS

By: Germelina Lacorte - @inquirerdotnetPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 04:40 AM December 05, 2023

DAVAO CITY — Residents in several areas in Mindanao could not rest after another strong earthquake struck Surigao del Sur on Monday, amid the continuing strong aftershocks from the main magnitude 7.4 tremor that hit off the province’s town of Hinatuan on Saturday.

The aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 quake were also strong, reverberating in many areas across the Surigao and Agusan provinces, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recording close to 2,000 aftershocks as of Monday.

The series of quakes have prompted many residents in Surigao del Sur, particularly in the town of Hinatuan, to avoid staying indoors and instead move into makeshift tents set up outside their homes and nearby school grounds.

At 3:49 a.m. on Monday, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur, at a depth of 30 kilometers (18 miles), some 72 km northeast of the town, the Phivolcs said.

It was felt at Intensity 5 in Cagwait; Intensity 4 in Surigao del Sur’s Tandag City and in Tarragona town of Davao Oriental; and at Intensity 3 in Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, and in Davao Oriental’s towns of Banaybanay and Lupon and Mati City. This was the second strong earthquake to hit Surigao del Sur and the latest in a slew of strong quakes—all concentrated in the same area—days after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Hinatuan on Dec. 2.

From the Cagwait quake, the Phivolcs recorded 190 aftershocks, as of 1 p.m. on Monday, ranging from 1.8 in magnitude to 5.7 in magnitude.

Class suspension

On Monday, some local government units in Mindanao affected by the magnitude 7.4 quake called off classes while school buildings and other private and government structures underwent safety inspections.

In Davao City, Acting Mayor Melchor Quitain, who suspended classes in public schools and implemented a work-from-home scheme in all government offices, said it was done to safeguard the welfare of the public. This developed as Phivolcs recorded a total of 1,898 aftershocks as of 1 p.m. on Monday, with magnitude, ranging from 1.4 to 6.6, as monitored by the Phivolcs Bislig City station.

In Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur province, Mayor Kirk Asis suspended classes at all levels, both in public and private schools on Monday to give way for a thorough inspection of public infrastructures and to assess the damage that the city had incurred. Some cracks have been noted in the city’s Catholic church building, while part of Prince Supermarket’s facade had collapsed, following Saturday’s quake.

The Davao del Norte provincial disaster risk reduction and management office also reported the suspension of in-person classes at all levels in the cities of Panabo and Samal Island and the towns of Braulio E. Dujali, Asuncion, Carment, Santo Tomas, and New Corella to give way to building assessment.

In Mati City, Davao Oriental’s provincial capital, Mayor Michelle Rabat suspended all classes in public schools on Monday, even as the 2,697 people who fled their houses after the quake had returned home on Sunday after the Phivolcs lifted its tsunami alert.

In Agusan del Sur, residents asked the provincial and local governments to provide vehicles to fetch students in other areas of Mindanao affected by the Dec. 2 earthquake.

Panicking

Police Staff Sgt. Joseph Lambo of the Hinatuan police said Sunday evening’s strong quake sent people rushing out of their homes again.

“They were panicking due to the memory of the previous night’s quake,” Lambo told Agence France-Presse (AFP). He said police were checking for any further damage or casualties.

Saturday’s quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific region and sent residents along the east coast of Mindanao fleeing buildings, evacuating a hospital, and seeking higher ground.

There have been no reports of major damage to buildings or infrastructure so far, disaster officials told AFP earlier on Sunday.

A 30-year-old man died in Bislig City, also in Surigao del Sur, when a wall inside his house collapsed on top of him, said local disaster official Pacifica Pedraverde.

Some roads in the city were cracked during the earthquake and aftershocks but vehicles could still drive on them, she said.

A pregnant woman was killed in Tagum City in Davao del Norte province, the national disaster agency said, without providing details.

Two people suffered minor injuries from falling debris in Tandag City, about 100 km north of Bislig, an official said.

The Phivolcs initially warned of a “destructive tsunami” after the first quake on Saturday, expecting “life-threatening” waves, though none occurred and the warning later ended.

The recent temblors came some two weeks after a magnitude 6.7 quake hit Mindanao, killing at least nine people, shaking buildings and causing part of a shopping mall ceiling to collapse.

Philippine Fairy Tales (IX) - Philippinische Märchen (IX)

 

VON DEN ERSTEN MENSCHEN

Die Bagobos im südlichen Mindanao glaubten daran, dass es vor langer Zeit auf der weiten Welt keinen einzigen Mann und auch keine einzige Frau gegeben hatte. Nur Tuglay und Tuglibon, zwei machtvolle Wesen, die die Welt erschaffen hatten, lebten dort.

Eines Tages sprach Tuglay zu Tuglibon: "Liebe Frau, vielleicht wäre es besser, wenn es auf der Welt Menschen gäbe."

"In der Tat wäre es besser", antwortete Tuglibon. "Wenigstens wäre dann jemand da, der sich in dieser schönen, neuen Welt, die wir erschaffen haben, erfreuen könnte. Lass uns einen Mann und eine Frau formen, die den blauen Himmel und das weite Meer lieben werden. Lass uns den Menschen erschaffen, die die Blumen in den Tälern und die Wolken über den Bergen mögen."

So nahm Tuglay ein wenig Maismehl, vermischte es mit Wasser und formte daraus menschliche Gestalten. Dann bedeckte er sie mit Schuppen und hauchte ihnen Leben ein.

Als sich die erschaffenen Wesen auf die Beine stellten, waren sie sehr schwerfällig, denn Tuglay hatte vergessen, ihnen Gelenke zu machen. Sie hatten steife Arme und Beine, und beim Gehen stolperten sie. Sie besaßen außerdem zu kleine Augen, versteckte Ohren und kaum sichtbare Nasen. Mit den steifen Fingern konnten sie nichts festhalten, und weil Schuppen ihre Körper bedeckten, schienen sie eher Kriechtieren ähnlich zu sein als Menschen.

"Die Menschen, die du erschaffen hast, gefallen mir nicht", sagte Tuglibon. "Versuche doch, andere Menschen zu machen!"

Aber Tuglay war mit ihnen zufrieden. "Ich glaube, es fehlt ihnen nichts", erwiderte er seiner Frau.

Aber je länger Tuglibon die Menschen ansah, desto weniger gefielen sie ihr. "Wie wird die Welt aussehen, wenn sie von solchen hässlichen Wesen bevölkert sein wird?" fragte sie. "Ich will, dass die Menschen anmutig einhergehen und dass sie nicht wie irgendwelche Schlangen mit Schuppen bedeckt sind."

"Diese zwei gehören mir", erwiderte Tuglay kühl, "ich werde sie nicht verändern."

Tuglibon widersprach ihrem Mann nicht mehr, aber es verdross sie sehr, als sie sah, was sie Klügeres ersinnen könnte, schleuderte sie ihrem Mann eine Handvoll Maismehl in die Augen. "Jetzt wird er mich nicht bei der Arbeit sehen", dachte sie bei sich.

Schnell bereitete sie aus Mehl einen Teig und begann, menschliche Gestalten zu formen. Zwischen den Knochen machte sie ihnen Gelenke, sie setzte ihnen klare Augen ein, formte ihnen schöne Ohren, machte ihnen grössere Nasen und einen schönen Mund. Sie glättete ihre Haut, damit sie zart und geschmeidig sei, und nur an den Fingerspitzen ließ sie Schuppen. Schliesslich gab sie jedem noch ein grosses Herz, um einander zu lieben zu können, und hauchte ihnen Leben sein.

Als Tuglibon ihre Arbeit beendet hatte, wusch sie von Tuglays Augen das Maismehl ab. Tuglay ärgerte sich sehr, als er feststellte, was seine Frau getan hatte. Aber als er den Mann und die Frau näher betrachtete, überzeugte er sich, dass sie in der Tat viel schöner waren als seine Schöpfung.

"Ich bin froh, dass du sie erschaffen hast", sprach er. "Sie und ihre Kinder werden auf dieser Welt herrschen."

"Sie werden das Schöne lieben und das Böse meiden", setzte Tuglibon hinzu. "Sie werden am Gesang der Vögel ihre Freude haben, sie werden ihre Körper in kühlen Quellen und Fluessen waschen. Sie werden sich lieben, und wenn sie am Tag die Sonne und in der Nacht den Mond und die Sterne schauen, werden sie uns auch lieben, denn wir haben sie erschaffen!"

Als Tuglibon ihre Rede beendet hatte, schaute sie Tuglay an, und beide lächelten dem ersten Mann und der ersten Frau zu. Diese wurden die Ahnen der Menschen, die jetzt die Erde bevölkern.

+++

FROM THE FIRST PEOPLE

The Bagobos of southern Mindanao believed that long ago there was not a single man or woman in the world. Only Tuglay and Tuglibon, two powerful beings who created the world, lived there.

One day Tuglay said to Tuglibon: "Dear woman, perhaps it would be better if there were people in the world."

"Indeed it would be better," replied Tuglibon. "At least then there would be someone to enjoy in this brave new world we have created. Let us form a man and a woman who will love the blue sky and the wide sea. Let us create man, who like the flowers in the valleys and the clouds over the mountains."

So Tuglay took a little corn flour, mixed it with water and formed human figures out of it. Then he covered them with scales and breathed life into them.

When the created beings stood on their feet, they were very clumsy because Tuglay had forgotten to make them joints. Their arms and legs were stiff and they stumbled when they walked. They also had eyes that were too small, ears that were hidden and noses that were barely visible. They couldn't hold anything with their stiff fingers, and because their bodies were covered with scales, they seemed more like reptiles than humans.

“I don’t like the people you created,” Tuglibon said. “Try to make other people!”

But Tuglay was happy with them. "I don't think there's anything wrong with them," he replied to his wife.

But the longer Tuglibon looked at people, the less she liked them. "What will the world look like when it is populated by such ugly creatures?" she asked. "I want people to walk gracefully and not be covered in scales like snakes."

"These two belong to me," replied Tuglay coolly, "I will not change them."

Tuglibon no longer contradicted her husband, but she was very annoyed, and when she saw what she could think of that was cleverer, she threw a handful of cornmeal into her husband's eyes. "Now he won't see me at work," she thought to herself.

She quickly made a dough out of flour and began to shape human figures. She made them joints between their bones, she gave them clear eyes, formed beautiful ears for them, gave them larger noses and a beautiful mouth. She smoothed her skin so that it was soft and supple, leaving only the tips of her fingers with scales. Finally, she gave everyone a big heart to be able to love each other and breathed life into them.

When Tuglibon finished her work, she washed the cornmeal from Tuglay's eyes. Tuglay was very upset when he realized what his wife had done. But as he looked closer at the man and woman, he became convinced that they were indeed much more beautiful than his creation.

"I'm glad you created them," he spoke. "They and their children will rule this world."

“They will love what is beautiful and avoid what is evil,” added Tuglibon. "They will delight in the singing of birds; they will wash their bodies in cool springs and rivers. They will love each other, and when they see the sun by day and the moon and stars by night, they will love us too , because we created them!"

When Tuglibon finished speaking, she looked at Tuglay, and they both smiled at the first man and woman. These became the ancestors of the people who now populate the earth.

+++

Was die deutschsprachige Märchenliteratur anbelangt, so ist das im Dausien-Verlag (1978) erschienene Buch "Philippinische Märchen" sehr zu empfehlen. Man findet es ab und an im Antiquariat oder bei ebay. 

Finally, a nation cares for its caregivers

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 5, 2023 06:05 AM

  

---

In our lives, caregivers have played an integral role, from the moment we are born, during times when we are ill or incapacitated, or during old age. Their roles are indispensable, yet for far too long, they are vulnerable in the absence of legal protection. 

By definition of the law, a “caregiver” refers to licensed health care professionals voluntarily registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and those duly assessed and certified by TESDA. They may be employed directly, full time or part time, part of a private household or nursing facility. To put it simply, a caregiver is someone who gives care to another individual or group of people. 

Over the years, there has been no definitive law protecting a caregiver. This absence has led to a litany of abuses — substandard wages, unfair employment terms, substandard working conditions, etc. The list goes on, and this cycle of abuse has placed a burden on caregivers who only want to have a decent employment. 

This cycle, however, doesn’t need to go on with the signing of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Nov. 23, 2023, of a law that sets policies aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of caregivers. This is Republic Act (RA) 11965 or “An Act Institutionalizing Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Caregivers in the Practice of their Occupation.”  

“It is hereby declared the policy of the State to recognize the role of caregivers in national development and to institute policies in the practice in the occupation with the end in view of developing competent caregivers whose standards of professional service shall be excellent and globally competitive,” according to RA 11965.

Under this new law, caregivers are assured that their rights are protected. They must be entitled to an employment contract guaranteeing at least a daily minimum wage. They fall under the coverage of existing labor laws, ensuring overtime pay for extended working hours and night shift differentials for those working in the evening. Add to these, they should be paid on time, either once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding 16 days.  

With the law, they are also entitled to a 13th-month pay, paid leaves, plus coverage by SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Departments such as DOLE, TESDA, and the Migrant Workers (DMW) are tasked to oversee the implementation of the law. The DMW is also mandated to oversee protection of Filipino caregivers being deployed overseas. 

The signing of the law by the President was welcomed by various sectors, especially among those who have noted that this is not only timely but relevant in this day and age when Filipino caregivers are in such high demand here and abroad. 

“As we recognize the important role of our caregivers in national development, we must ensure they are protected against abuse, harassment, and economic exploitation,” said Sen. Joel Villanueva, one of the co-authors of the law.

All laws signed by the President are relevant in their ways and in the national context, but RA 11965 marks a significant milestone as it finally recognizes the invaluable contributions of thousands of caregivers — unsung heroes — who tirelessly care for the sick, the vulnerable, the elderly. This law is long overdue, yet we welcome its arrival as this signifies that the nation is finally ready and legally able to truly care for its caregivers. 

Phivolcs: Surigao del Sur aftershocks now over 1,500

This photo shows an aftermath of the Magnitude 7.4 quake in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

Hinatuan Local Government Unit / Released

MANILA, Philippines — Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake which rocked Surigao del Sur on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Monday said that it has recorded 1,583 aftershocks so far.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said that the figures were logged as of 5 a.m. on Monday.

Meanwhile, Bacolcol said that the tsunami warning which was issued after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake has already been lifted according to Bacolcol.

He also said that the magnitude 6.8 Sarangani earthquake which occurred in November has no connection to the Surigao del Sur tremor.

“We have six active trenches and we have 175 active faults, so there is always a probability na puwedeng magkasabay," Bacolcol said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.

(We have six active trenches and we have 175 active faults, so there is always a probability that they can occur simultaneously).

“We’re part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, ineexpect na talaga natin yang marami tayong earthquakes, marami tayong active faults, marami tayong active volcanoes, and pwede magkasabay-sabay ‘yan,” he noted, highlighting that experiencing nearly 20 minor tremors a day is considered normal.

(We're part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, so we really expect to have many earthquakes, numerous active faults, plenty of active volcanoes, and those can happen simultaneously.)

He also cautioned the public that if a comparable magnitude 7.4 earthquake will occur along the West Valley Fault, it could result in 33,000 casualties in Metro Manila.

In a seperate interview with the STAR, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook Surigao del Sur was undoubtedly a significant event that can be likened to the "Big One" that Metro Manila should adequately prepare for. 

“Magnitude 7.4 is a major earthquake," Solidum said.

As of writing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the Surigao del Sur quake left one dead. It added that its field officers are validating the damage and number of people affected by the earthquake. — with reports from Bella Cariaso.

Which is the most spiciest German cuisine?

 

Volker Eichener

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Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf

Studied Political Science & Sociology at Ruhr University BochumGraduated 1999

Löwensenf (“lion’s mustard”) from Düsseldorf, which is a really spicy mustard, much spicier than Dijon mustard.

Also, the Germans eat horseradish. Traditionally, horseradish was eaten with salmon, obviously in times when the fish was not fresh. Later, horseradish was watered down with cream and today we do not eat horseradish any more together with high-quality salmon.

There are few dishes which were prepared with good amounts of pepper, e.g. Pfefferpotthast, a Westphalian beef stew. However, the amounts of pepper which were listed in historic recipes disappeared with time. Same with Sauerbraten, another dish from medieval times which was rather spicy.

German cuisine became rather bland, partly because hot spices did not grow in Germany but had to be imported, so they were very expensive.

However, after WW II, exotic spices became available again and some Germans learned to like spicy food, first from the Balkan, later also from China, Turkey, U.S. or Mexico. After the war, the Currywurst was invented, a bratwurst in a ketchup-like sauce with curry powder. Some like to spice it up, even with pure capsaicin.

However, most Germans still have a problem with spicy food. The first chilis (“peperoni”) were served in Balkan restaurants, but quickly, mild peperoni replaced the hot ones. A couple of years ago, the first habanero chiles occured in Germany. Today, you can buy habaneros which aren’t hot anymore. Very strange.

Where true justice and peace can be found

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

ONLY in Christ, of course, can we find true justice and peace. Outside of him, forget it. We can only have, at best, some appearance of justice and peace, but not the real ones. In time, the consequences of the counterfeit justice and peace will surely be exposed.

We are reminded of this truth of our Christian faith in the readings of the Mass of Tuesday of the First Week of Advent where we are told that “a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness.” (Is 11,1-2) 

And in the responsorial psalm of that day, these beautiful words are said, which describe the effects of how the spirit of God will have on this rod out of the root of Jesse: “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.” (Ps 72,7)

We should just try our best that we base our search for true justice and peace on Christ, the personification of the “rod out of the root of Jesse” that was foretold in the Book of Isaiah. We have to be wary of our strong tendency to rely mainly on our own estimation of things, on our ideologies and philosophies, in our search for justice and peace.

As we can see now, especially in the so-called developed countries that have all but abandoned God and religion in general, and are simply depending on their own ideologies, there is clearly a quagmire of acrimony and finger-pointing. 

Even the commonest of common sense is contradicted as when some people claim that they have a right to abort, or kill, a baby at birth. Politics is not anymore a pursuit for the common good, with God as the ultimate common good, but rather a brazen conspiracy to acquire power and to keep it as long as possible. Of course, it would just be a matter of time before violence, and even war, would erupt.

We need to make a shout-out for the need to return to God if we want to have true justice and peace. With him, as taught and shown by Christ in the Holy Spirit, and as promoted consistently by the Church, we are sure to find justice and peace in spite of our unavoidable differences and conflicts. With him, we can still hold on to the power of love that knows how to keep the unity in the truth among ourselves despite our differences and conflicts.

Obviously, to be able to return to God, we need a lot of faith. We just cannot depend on our reasoning and estimation of things. Thus, in the gospel of the day, Christ told his disciples how lucky they were because they knew Christ. “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see,” he said. “For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Lk 10,23-24)

We should always make Christ as the beginning and end of all our efforts to find true justice and peace in this world!