Cardinal David: Holy Week an examination of conscience

“The deepest crisis is not only in the political or economic system, but the moral crisis. That’s why I keep talking about a spiritual and moral crisis,” David said in an interview with “Storycon” on One News.

“There’s something wrong with the way we perceive things. The crisis is in the heart of the person. When a person seems already indifferent, cynical, when people begin to lose their concern for others – this is where things like corruption and impunity begin, which we see as the root cause of the crisis that we are facing, both on the global level and the national level,” he added.

The cardinal recognized the Church’s shortcomings in faith and conscience formation, saying it is important for them to understand the root causes of the problem.

He noted the importance of discernment and moral clarity, especially at a time when social media is “awash with propaganda” and “demagoguery.”

“It is very important that the understanding of the situation is based on moral certitude. That is what we are lacking. For example, when impunity is being justified. Or when people say the end justifies the means – when it becomes acceptable to take shortcuts and no longer respect the law,” David said.

At a time when everything moves at a fast pace, David said rest and reflection should be seen as an essential aspect of life and not a luxury.

“Every now and then, especially during moments like this during Holy Week, it is good to have an examination of conscience: where is our society headed to?” he said.

 David stressed that progress can only be achieved through peace.

“If only people knew that peace is the only way for the whole world to progress. Not just us. We cannot expect any progress in civilization if we do not embrace the option for peace against violence, against war,” he said.

The ongoing crisis, he said, is also a reminder for people to examine their conscience.

“Those who earn the most, the corporations, couldn’t they set aside even 10 percent of their earnings during this crisis, so we have a buffer fund to rely on? Because we all know how much flood control money were stolen by politicians who have no conscience,” said the cardinal.

if our money hadn’t been stolen, we would have something to fall back on. What we are really facing is a moral crisis,” he reiterated. — Janvic Mateo