Name: Ma. Recy M.

Pia Course: BSA-2

Date: December 7, 2019

Church as Herald and Servant on Extra-Judicial Killing

Reflection:

Extra-judicial killing is very rampant in the Philippines a lot of people are very scared of
what the outcome of this horrendous issue. As a Christian and a citizen of the country I too am
scared of my own security, there are some point that I don’t want go out or my parents forbid me
to go out for the killings made were simultaneous. Ever since President Rodrigo Duterte was
elected and was chosen by the people he ought to stop drugs in the Philippines which is giving a
lot of Filipinos hope because who wouldn’t want a to eradicate illegal drugs right?. But things
started to crumble when a lot of people were killed, those involved in drugs or not so it was manic,
a very dark moment for the Philippines.

As I have read articles and seen the news regarding the extra-judicial killings in the
Philippines I was feeling bad in a sense that it was just too much. A lot of people were killed
without proper justifications or reasons. The church actually was very against the method used
by the government, which I wouldn’t blame them for we human person, the people of God must
be the herald of truth and justice. We are supposed to help spread awareness towards other
people. We are supposed to serve others be their shoulder unto achieving change, we are not
supposed to kill because it wasn't us and it wasn’t our purpose. That’s why I understand how the
church disagree with the system, the government are supposed to bring change, give them a new
life that they may see how beautiful the world is. I definitely was disappointed, yes! illegal drugs
come in and out of our country but it wasn't the right reason to kill those addicts, they should have
solved the root cause of such which are the supplier and the bosses of illegal drugs. Philippines
would finally be at peace if those higher ups are thrown in the prison.
Thus I realize that extra judicial killing is much bigger that what others think it is. It has
destroyed so many lives as well as those dreams of their family for a chance to change. The
church had made ways to solve this problem for they have built rehabilitation facilities that protects
those people who would want change, be safe and be closer to God. We all can make a difference
and that is be a light to everyone’s life, it may be small but it can bring a lot of impact. And as a
Christian we have to be servant in a way that we help others who are in depth need because we
are supposed to help in any ways we can for God never hesitates to lend some hand on use when
we feel so hopeless.
As Church, what will I do?
Church as a herald
The Church and Catholics has strongly expressed their disagreement towards the extra-
judicial killing in the Philippines. A lot of people had been killed and their families have suffered.
Church as a herald as describe by many has a certain vision, based on what I have understand
church is the preaching institution that helps others be closer to God. As the Church I would
become the messenger of good news, it may be small but I believe small things create bigger
visions. A student like me has no capabilities to tell the president or be brave to tell everyone in
power to stop the extra-judicial killing because reality or not I couldn't do anything, I don't have
the power. But I can express my opinions on how rotten the method or system the government is
using right now. Extrajudicial killing in the Philippines is just too much, it was never good to kill
someone just because they have made such thing. And a citizen of the Philippines based on the
Constitution shall be given due process of law and honestly the government is not giving them
the chance to. God is always watching and he will give us the salvation that we have been praying
for. Thus ejk should be put unto stop and us proclaiming of God’s word becomes a salvific or
saving event for those who hear it and accept it.

Church as a Servant

Church had been addressing issues of drug addiction for some years now. They have
been pretty vocal on their ways on how to solve such addiction, testimonies from converted person
were told to spread awareness and give hope to those people who have not yet found light in their
darkest journey. Church leaders supported the eradication of illegal drugs in the country BUT they
opposed the government’s method based on their commitment to protect human life. They defined
their role as a social facilitation/dialogue, psycho-social education, pastoral counseling, spiritual
healing and provision of sanctuary and volunteers.

As a servant of God and considered as a people of God, we must give our sincere and
genuine love and care for those people in need. I honestly was debating unto myself what are the
things I could do to help other drug addicts and the victims of extra-judicial killing, the first thing
that come to mind is to give them authenticity of care. For such has no boundaries and I believe
that by providing them holistic care would be an instrument in finding their true meaning of life. I
know extra-judicial killings is not a good memory and was never a good experience, they have
lost some love ones whom they treasure dearly and I couldn’t do anything to bring them back. But
making them feel that they belong and God will always be with them is a great step towards
change and peacefulness. I couldn’t do anything actually but telling them good news, giving them
so much positivity will bring change. For this reason, we must frequently hear the word and be
transformed by the gift of his life-giving graces.