By Leslie Ann Aquino
Instead of focusing so much on not being able to physically attend mass, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila on Sunday asked the faithful to be more concerned with the plight of their neighbors in this time of public health crisis.
"Let us look at our neighbors during this time...Yes, we miss coming to Mass and we will miss the many dear Holy Week practices that we are accustomed about. But are we concerned about this and not rather about the heroic efforts of our health workers? The heroic efforts of those who continue to serve the community? Are we not concerned about the distress of the sick? Are we not concerned about those who are afraid of hunger and real hunger because they have no work, no money, no food?" Bishop Broderick Pabillo said in an online Mass.
"We should be more concerned about this for us to see the face of God who is calling us," he added.
The Manila Auxiliary prelate said it is by opening our eyes to our neighbors that we shall see truth of God.
"This is the time to widen and deepen our sights that we may not become spiritually blind," Pabillo said.
The prelate said the COVID-19 crisis may be a way for people to get to know and acknowledge God's power.
"When we are no longer in control then we look up to Him who is in control. Let us admit how in the past we used to take Him for granted. If ever we pray or go to church most of the time its just lip service," said Pabillo.
"Now we are being invited to hold on to Him, to call on Him," he added.
Meanwhile, all parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila will give way to Bp. Pabillo as he celebrates Sunday Masses in this quarantine period every 10 AM.
Father Jerome Secillano of the Nuestra Senora del Socorro Parish in Manila said Pabillo's Mass will be beamed live over Radio Veritas, TV Maria and FaceBook.
"This is to let our shepherd regularly address the faithful in the Archdiocese at this difficult moment," he said.
Other masses, Secillano said will still be celebrated at different time slots.
Public Masses in Metro Manila have been cancelled earlier this month to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Church leaders said the faithful may still hear mass via radio, TV or online.