In The Spirit of Lent

Among Filipinos the Lent is a very significant Catholic event but these days the meaning of Lent is lost amid the vacation, beaches, holiday pay call center agents are going to get and the controversies surrounding Christianity.


One particular controversy and the latest at that is the Gospel of Judas. On April 9, 2006 the National Geographic Channel premiered its presentation on the much taled about texts. Prior to its unveiling I have read and heard about this Gospel, one says that it will shake the very foundation of Chistianity and other saying otherwise. As a matter of fact, it doesn't really propose anything new but rather it presents another perspective, that of Judas. Although not written by Judas himself, it was written by Gnostics, it offers another explanation why Judas "betrayed" Jesus, it's not an apology nor an excuse given by believers of Judas but the reason why Judas did it. Rather than demonized and vilify Judas, it's as if we should hail Judas because he played an essential role in the whole story of salvation, if it weren't for Judas' "betrayal" we wouldn't have been saved. The most startling thing about this revelation is that Judas seem to have an idea of what he's supposed to do and this is well within the grand plan of salvation and that he has the strength to actually carry out this plan compared to the other disciples because he has that great spirituality that can perform the task.


We are no expert on this things but I would like to present a more personal view.

The important question now is, so what? Personally, it doesn't have any effect on my faith because there were no surprises there. I would still believe in a Higher Being even if they come up with the a Gospel of Whomever. The thing about faith is that it's something personal that I don't think any text can change that. The Church is being defensive with these controversies because they think that these text are the foundation of people's faith, it's not. It's the unique spiritual relationship that they offer with it's believers that keeps them in the flock. Sometimes I feel that the Church has actually lost it's focus when it comes to the believers' spirituality. I think the real essence of religion in Catholic Church is lost in all its pomp and pageantry, just look at the Election of Pope. There is no bigger cult than the Catholic Church. That's why it's no surprise that the Catholic Church is losing its usual constituents because the Church is no longer as personal as it used to be, it's no longer the sanctuary people wants it to be, it doens't offer the salvation people are looking for. The believers are not looking for a weekly tradition, they are looking for intimate and a deeply personal relationship with a Higher Being


Do I plan to change religion after everything? No, because I believe in the Catholic Church and it still touch me and way I wanted to be spiritually touched, plus all the cult-Ness and pomp and pageantry appeals to me.


Does it still appeal to you?

Maria Francia Posted At 1:28:00 AM

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