GOOD FRIDAY

In the Catholic Christian world, today is Good Friday, a very solemn day.

In the spirit of appreciation of our Saviour's sacrifices and crucifixion, I did my Good Friday routine since childhood - went to church for the ceremony and veneration of the cross followed by a solemn procession around Poblacion.

But, today is different from any other Good Fridays. I happen to flip on the TV channel showing a documentary of underprivileged children. Highlighted is the all too familiar child labor..including 10-year olds and below scavenging in the garbage dumps to gather food for the family.

The true sacrifice of the day is this 10 years old girl whose only wish for the day is that she can find enough food for one meal for her family of eight.. among the human wastes, rotten garbage, used diapers, flies and maggots.

I think it will do society much better good that if instead of going to church today:

• The all too righteous government officials had gone to the garbage dumps to watch true sacrifices. Afterall, these are the people who diverted government funds into their coffers instead of DSWD.
• The church people - bishops, priests, nuns and lay ministers had gone to the garbage dumps to watch true sacrifices. Afterall, these are the people who block any efforts at population control.

You all have a blessed Good Friday.