Budget, Christians, the ‘Good Samaritan’ Test

By Reni M. Valenzuela

Our future is not ahead of us. It is trapped on the inside of us as a people and “Christian nation.”

The 2025 national budget has undergone some changes (cosmetic application) for nothing but appearance and appeasement purposes. It remains sinuous and serpentine, with due respect, dear Malacañang and Congress.

Here’s the “Good Samaritan” test for you, dear countrymen: If you don’t feel righteous indignation at what is happening in our society and government, you must be one reason why atheists / skeptics among us, fellow Filipinos, mock our country as the “only Christian nation in Asia.”

If your brand of Christianity stirs, troubles and awakens you not from social apathy, amid persisting evils from within and without, that is not Christianity. Jesus Christ rose from the dead to dwell among us, His people (via the Holy Spirit), from generation to generation like He is flesh and blood walking, breathing and living in our midst.

You are comfortable and indifferent when you should be bothered coming to the rescue and defense of the motherland, the abused, oppressed and victims of injustice, crookedness and ruthlessness as a result (supposedly) of you being a believer and follower of Christ.

But what salvation and new life are you talking about? And what do you mean each time you preach the “gospel”? Religion is just what you have – plain, pure, simple, selfish, barren and lifeless. Clear.

Where is Jesus Christ in all of your worship, sacraments, indoctrinations and religious activities/festivities, and good-sounding testimonies – however mega, massive, majestic and modern the church (or “logo”) you are happy to be a part of? Whited, pointed, cold, “godget”-laden tombs.

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion…” – Matthew 9:36

Where were you when our countrymen were being brutalized and butchered left and right almost daily by law enforcers, all in the name of a bogus “drug war” and false god?  What where your prayers then? What have you done? Who did you worship? Where was your “Christ”?

I cannot imagine how are they going to Heaven, the many hushed and motionless mannequins or so-called Christian ministers, priests, pastors, bishops and church workers (and imams) who saw little to nothing wrong with “tokhang,” and who supported or acquiesced to the murderous past administration — purportedly in obedience and submission to Romans 13:1-7. Blind leaders of the blind. Wolves.

Even as an innocent young renewed/born-again Christian over four decades ago, I knew Christ enough to help the victims of road accidents who were just being watched die slowly by uncaring, passive onlookers and traffic enforcers.

Many lives have been saved since then and I needed no theology and Bible seminary to be moved to do that. The heart naturally dawned (and dawns) on this ordinary, small Filipino (moment by moment) as a fruit of the real Christ living on the inside of him, acting/serving as a “Good Samaritan” in his own little world, little way, and littleness. Mercy.

Where were/are you when our noble-hearted, peace-loving, selfless, benevolent, heroic, poor, hungering countrymen/human beings in rural and urban areas, and the idealistic, nationalistic youth in our campuses were/are being suspected, pursued, red-tagged and cannibalized, courtesy of the animalistic, the fake “anti-terror” campaigns/operations and a “task force” tasked to end something they want / intend to stay forever — because of a “budget”?

And where are you now on matters and issues of corruption (blatant and brazen), election-related deviousness and madness, and the “reformed” 2025 corruption budget that is obviously, openly, shamelessly, highly politicized — filled with “pork barrels” and fraught with loopholes and rooms for massive official stealing, electioneering and “vote-buying,” with midterm elections fast approaching, markedly and especially.

Mainam na narinig ng ating pangulo ang mga hiyaw at hinaing ng taong bayan tungkol sa 2025 “political budget.” Hilaw nga lamang po. Repentance means a complete turn-around. Brace yourself for the mighty move of God. Though, it depends.

The good plans of the Good Lord for our country and people hinge on the good responses of our leaders, both national and spiritual — to the Heavenly call.

“… the Kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke 17:21

Email: renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com