Why the church buildings?

[Rico Rentuza]

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We are the church. Not the huge, magnificient, historical buildings. I had the chance to go to Cambodia about 5 years ago. Angkor Wat is a sight to behold. These are the ruins of the temples of the ancient city. You would wonder how, during the 12^th century, these people built these temples out of big blocks of rocks without the benefit of what we know now as machines and heavy equipments. But more than the feeling of amazement is the feeling of divinity once you get into the inner part of the temple ruins. I was a Catholic Christian inside the ruins of the Hindu-Buddhist temples, and I felt God’s presence in the place. Now Angkor Wat is the main tourist destination in Cambodia. But why are the “churches” or, more properly, the church buildings in Bohol and Cebu the most visible damaged structures in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.1 earthquake on October 15? Tourists, both local and foreign, used to go to Bohol and Cebu to visit Baclayon church and Sto. Nino Basilica, pose for pictures, post them on Facebook and feel good about it. Ironically, near and surrounding these physical churches are the people of God, the real Church, walking Temples of the Holy Spirit who are living below the poverty line. (I have to admit I and my family are just as guilty). Very few would have time to say a sincere prayer inside the tour churches. (How can you have a solemn prayer with all the distractions?) Worse, nobody would have time to notice the “Lazaru’s” at the roadsides and those living in the dilapidated shelters not far from these tourist destinations. We have become indifferent that we consider the poor as part of the backdrop of these visual wonders. Something is not right here if we are to live up to our “brand” as Christians. Whatever you do to the least of these, you do it to me, thus says the Lord. My reflection is this: God is telling us to go out from the four walls of the church buildings. We should change our focus and our fascination from the physical structures to the warm bodies, the people, real church, the Body of Christ. For the sake of history, arts and culture, and tourism, we must take care and promote our cultural heritage including the ancient churches. Yes, even now that most of them are reduced into ruins. But, for heaven’s sake, let us give more of our attention and compassion to the people who need our love. At day’s end, this is what matters. As Fr. Vic Healy of the Jesuit Retreat House in Cebu City said in one of his homilies, at the end of our life here on earth, we will not be judged by the number of sins we committed but by the number of good deeds that we did not do.

[cherie]

because Churches are the oldest structures in Bohol and Cebu. They didn't use steel in building old churches. besides the stone/concrete used in these churches reacts to the frequency of the EarthQuake. have you noticed when you turn your stereo up to the loudest volume, some parts of your house vibrates rapidly reacting to the frequency of your stereo's sound?

[THE KID]

ang message jud ana kai kinahanglan mo barato ang kandila....inbes tag 10..tag 1 peso nalang.....

[estambae]

because Churches are the oldest structures in Bohol and Cebu. They didn't use steel in building old churches. besides the stone/concrete used in these churches reacts to the frequency of the EarthQuake. have you noticed when you turn your stereo up to the loudest volume, some parts of your house vibrates rapidly reacting to the frequency of your stereo's sound?

ginabuhat pud na sila gikan sa pughak sa itlog mao dali ra nangatumpag

[masakiton]

education is the key to success

[kit_cebu]

tldr...............

[Saint_hard]

tldr...............

unsa pasabot ana? The Long Distance Relationship?

[THE KID]

unsa pasabot ana? The Long Distance Relationship?

google is our friend

[Kristiano]

because they are not using heavy/hard labour and animals...

[Saint_hard]

wala man sad tay argumento aning topika wui...hehehehe