NOT ALL CHEATERS NEVER WIN

Lying seems to be inevitable this time especially when someone is caught and agitated by the evil effect it may cause him. Come pressing time of investigation, the liar will find his way out of his quandary. The search for the truth, whether the agent is guilty, responsible or not rest on the hands of the prefect of discipline. Paul Glenn, in his book entitled Ethics, states that “Evil is done only when it assumes the aspect of good, as something that will bring satisfaction or will lead to it and it cannot be willed as such or for its own sake.” Likewise, C. Henry Pescke, in his book entitled “Christian Ethics,” specified that there are some obstacles which impair the coming about of a human act in its roots by diminishing or preventing the free will or a clear knowledge of the object of the act. It is obvious then that an evil act, perceived to be good and satisfying, will no longer be imputable to the agent, hence, he will not be fully held responsible of his act.

            There was one time in the seminary when all of the Second Year Philosophy seminarians were late in the mid-day praise. Certainly, it was a violation of the horarium: being late in the chapel for praise. More than that, it was a neglect of once duty to give God the praises He deserves. After the prayer after meal during dinner, the Liturgy committee head asked them to defend their case. One seminarian said that they got confused with the schedule, specifically on the time of the midday praise. Another seminarian reacted that they asked their cluster leader to call them before the praise starts but they did not receive any notice in return. The cluster leader seemed to be upset and just admitted the mistake and carry the burden by himself. I was frustrated when I learned that no sanction was given to them. This instance is a typical sample of an agent freed from his responsibility which emanate from his evil deed. How much more if the case had been grave?

            Black and white had been my standard when it comes to rule and regulations. No BUTs, no IFs. If you violated a rule, corresponding penalty will be applied unto you. If you are following the rules, then, everything is okay; nothing extra special is worth a commendation yet. Things changed when God made me realize how sinful I am. That despite my sinfulness, He still pours forth His blessings on me and considers me His son. And who I am to judge the people around me who are my co-equal in the eyes of the Lord. Yes, we have specific rules to follow. But, isn’t it that LOVE rules over the law of the land and humanity? With this realization, my learning so far in ethics reaffirms that my decision was right to enter the seminary for priesthood. Ethics made me appreciate a deeper look and further consideration on someone’s sinfulness; there might be some modifiers that would lessen the burden of being held responsible of an evil act he thought would make his life more meaningful.

Instead of focusing on someone’s wickedness, reassessing the wickedness as a potent avenue for instilling God’s love and mercy is now more interesting to do, though it is quite challenging. Like the holy men and women who used to be cheaters and now enjoy the heaven, the cheaters alike may be one day called holy. On that day, they surely win the kingdom in heaven.