Families as political activists

The traditional “Belen” with the Infant Jesus carried by Mother Mary and Joseph at their side is how we have immortalized the Holy Family in our pictures, paintings, and statues. They are all over the place: in our homes, in churches and cathedrals, offices, stores, all the way to the malls. We sing this in our carols as well as in our commercials.

“Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.”

That’s it. Christmas comes and goes. It seems that many, if not most, of our families celebrate Christmas that way. Sad. Tragic, I would say. As one involved in family ministry, I have tried for many decades to move our families beyond that point. And to give credit to quite a number of them, they have followed the Holy Family beyond the “Belen” stage. But not enough! Still far from following the Holy Family all the way.

In today’s Gospel reading, Simeon prophesied by saying to Mary: ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Lk. 2: 34-35). As Jesus grew up, the Holy Family became no less than political activists, courageously advocating honesty, integrity, and social justice in government, business, and community life.

It was in this context that many years ago, we started a value formation program called Christian Parenting For Peace and Justice (CPPJ). It focused on love of country and social justice. But throughout the years, only a number of families have responded by committing their lives to the values of this conscientization program. There have not been enough families to make a difference in our culture, to create a tipping point. So many other families are attracted instead to the charismatic renewal, with a lot of fellowship, singing and dancing, and bible studies. Are they actively involved as political activists? Are they actively involved as a group in fighting massive corruption? You tell me.

We have failed so far in involving families in political action and advocacy. In the spirit of the Gospels and Jesus’ own life, let us take courage in following Him as a political activist.

In this column two weeks ago, I made a reference to a newly-organized Coalition Against Corruption (CAC), composed of quite a number of NGOs, organizations, and institutions. The CAC made the denouncement that “Corruption is the gravest threat to Philippine democracy and society today.” This will be the focus of their concerted action. It is sad to say that there is not even one family organization or movement in that coalition. But it is never too late.

For the information of all, the 1981 Apostolic Exhortation of the late Pope John Paul II on the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World, better known as Familiaris Consortio, has this crucial paragraph in #44:

“The social role of families is called upon to find expression also in the form of political intervention: families should be the first to take steps to see that the laws and institutions of the State not only do not offend but support and positively defend the rights and duties of the family. Along these lines, families should grow in awareness of being ‘protagonists’ of what is known as ‘family politics’ and assume responsibility for transforming society; otherwise families will be the first victims of the evils that they have done no more than note with indifference.”

The above-teaching of the Church is most relevant and challenging today in our country. And for this to move toward organization and action, we will need dedicated lay couple-leaders and families. They will carry more credibility than celibate clerics in this regard.

As I have written in this column, I will never forget those three days and three nights at Edsa I in February of 1986. The numbers of lay, married couples who were there were in the thousands. Likewise, there were many who were there as families. We all risked our lives for the sake of social justice and liberation from a corrupt regime. We were all there together as inspired by the God of love, justice, and peace. Active non-violence. That was God’s call. But that was 1986.

Today, we urgently appeal to our lay couple-leaders and families from our various family organizations and charismatic communities. Where else will Filipino children and youth learn how to be political activists if not from their parents and grandparents? Let us be disciples of the Holy Family all the way.