Except for those steadfast to the True Doctrine and Catholic Tradition, the priesthood nowadays is getting double-faced.
Politics or religion -- religion or politics?
The clergy ends up embracing the religiopolitical mix-up known as "liberation theology."
Religion AND politics in one in the name of priesthood!
That is, serving both "God and mammon."
You cannot, however, serve two masters at the same time.
"Either you hate one or love the other."
Either you hate (religion or priesthood) or you love (politics).
Thereby, we hear political speeches (critical to the government) delivered in the pulpits.
Or, political articles and books penned by the clergy.
And clerical involvement in rallies and demonstrations in the streets against the government.
After Second Vatican Council, the priesthood has evolved from Tridentine Latin discipline that emphasizes prayer, penance and the administration of the sacraments into two types: diocesan and "religious" that both have exhibited leaning on "liberation theology."
The diocesan clergy of the Archdiocese of Davao and religious congregations such as the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (commonly known as "Redemptorists") have this religiopolitical training in the seminaries before ordination to the priesthood.
Does the political inclination of men in cassocks make them vulnerable to becoming advocates to the coming new church system that is political in nature -- minus the aspect of religion, mainly the eradication of Eucharistic celebrations?
The priesthood is a religious matter, a vocation to PRAY and MAKE SACRIFICES in behalf of the people.
What takes place, instead, it is the PEOPLE (at least, a few of these faithfuls) who do the religious things of PRAYERS and SACRIFICES for the conversion of the clergy: from being politicians in white robes to men of religion, men of God.
Leave these socio-cultural and economic-political concerns to street activism, that is the role social activists have to play.
Why is the government erring?
It is because the current state of the priesthood does no longer carry out their Divine Office and religious duties as priests but are busybodies in the political discussions.
Their ways are "man's ways" to change deviant government leaders, government policies and statutes.
Their ways of solving social injustice and oppression are "band aid solutions," a symptomatic treatment rather than addressing the root cause of the problems and issues. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55: 8)
The priesthood is a calling for the elite few to stand in the gap between people and God Who ALONE can make a good government, a "government of the people, by the people, for the people."
