Contributed by: Jude Ray Encabo (BSEd – English 1)

Allow me to start this by quoting the letter to the Hebrews: the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12). This is definitely true, that the texts from the Bible aren’t only limited to their era or confined to the past, it is relevant up until today. 

The prophet Amos, in the first reading, talks about those “who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land…” (8:4). These people are only thinking of what they gain, filling themselves up with the riches while blatantly exploiting and taking advantage of the destitute. Of course, the reaction of the just God is to never forget everything that they have done (8:7). 

I am fully aware that most of us have our senses bombarded by the rampant corruption that exists in our country today. If I can recall correctly, this all started with the floods that never seem to dissipate—making the poor live more uncomfortably, as if their lives weren’t uncomfortable enough. We investigated and found out that most of the projects were overpriced, materials were intentionally poor in quality to equate their quantity, and where did all the money go? 

To the pockets of the politicians we voted for, along with the contractors of the said projects and the nepo babies that we encounter on social media. The rich are becoming richer, while the poor remain the same. We are struggling to provide for our basic needs while the elite are out there, multiplying their wealth with the money that should’ve been ours, and instead, they are using it to buy expensive cars, expanding their luxurious houses and mansions, funding their foreign trips and getaways, and supplying their wants.

Doesn’t that anger you? It feels infuriating to witness these events unfolding, making you question whether this country is worth living in. Yet, amidst all these anger-inducing events taking place all at once, we should make time to stop, reflect, and ask this question: What should I think? What can I do? 

God listens to our pleas, and this did not come from me but through the prophet Amos. As much as He is aware of the corrupt practices during the era of the Divided Kingdom, He is fully aware of the evil that is taking place in our country. He is the God of justice, and He does not forget what the tramplers of the needy and the destroyers of the poor have done, indicating that He is reserving a rightful consequence for these people. Indeed, one of the greatest scourges of humanity is to make the poor poorer, to ignore the needy, and to thwack the destitute, for what will you gain from doing such cruel acts? Nothing but more struggle, pain, and suffering on their end, which is why this is no longer the time to remain idle or be mere spectators; now is the time to cry out against this injustice and take appropriate actions. 

Jesus encourages us to be trustworthy even in small things so that, in turn, we can do so in great things. Yet, when we give in to situations such as petty bribes and any hints of injustice, it will grow like yeast, and we will no longer be differentiated from the corrupt officials that we’ve been protesting against. We must always stand firm and consistent with our commitment to be honest, diligent, and trustworthy. These are but basic components of a Filipino citizen, but if we start with ourselves, we are slowly but surely breaking the cycle of corruption by influencing others to do likewise. So, you have the power to change the course of history; you are not powerless as they would like you to think of yourself. Use that wisely for the good and betterment of our country and your life. 

This is what Saint Ignatius would want to describe his companions as, but I think that this is not only limited to them alone but to all of us. Saint Paul gave us a brilliant exhortation on prayer, and I believe that incorporating prayer is very useful as we strive to attain justice amidst this corrupt system. Now, I don’t think that we are only limited to locking our doors and privately praying—as other people would suggest—but rather, we integrate it into our social action. By virtue of our baptism, we are called to clothe ourselves in the threefold mission of Christ: priest, king, and prophet; and indeed, we are prophets; we have the voice to condemn injustice, expose evils, and criticize ills in society, for we are doing what God wants by rebuking what He despises. 

The vision of justice and peace will continue to be a beacon of hope among us, for it may be far off, but it is never impossible to attain. It is not only our duty as Filipinos to achieve this, but this is what God desires for all of us, for He is never distant but sees our toil, hears our rants, and feels our pain.

Editor’s Note: This article was first issued in the January to May 2026 Second Semester Newsletter of Atenews.