Moses said to the people: “If only you would heed the voice of the Lord, your God, and keep His commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the law, when you return to the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul. For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. (Deuteronomy 30:10-11) It is something very near to you, already in the mouths and in your hearts, you have only to carry it out. (Deuteronomy 30: 14)
The laws and commandments of God are not meant to limit human freedom but intended to perfect it.
We are gifted with freedom, but it is not absolute in that we have the right and authority to do what we want and stepping on others and their rights.
By civil definition, “law is a written or unwritten rule of conduct or action established by custom or laid down and enforced by authority.”
By Catholic dictionary definition, “law is an ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the one who has the care of a community. As an ordinance, law is distinguished from a mere counsel. It is an order or command that imposes obligation or moral necessity to be obeyed. A law is for the common good, and it differs from a command, order, precept, or injunction laid on an individual person.”
“Command in moral theology is a rational order or directive to do something.”
Laws and commandments therefore are intended to protect the human person;guide, lead, and enlighten life; and to impose discipline for personal and communal welfare and wellbeing. Laws and commandments are never intended to alienate a person and destroy and end life. The laws and commandments of God are meant to give life and make it beautiful. Any law that destroys life and steps on the right and dignity of a person are not God’s.
The Public Information Office of Baguio City reported on July 11 that Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has ordered contractors of road works to provide prior notices to the public before starting any work to minimize inconvenience to commuters and the general public.
On July 8, he issued Executive Order 76, s. 2022 mandating contractors to provide prior notice and information or road works for the general welfare of the public. “If contractors do not comply, please notify me so I can immediately issue a cease-and-desist order,” the mayor said.
Salute and gratitude to Mayor Benjie for the EO empowered by political will. I hope the whole Cordillera will follow.
Another important thing that we need to shout louder is the contractor’s moral and spiritual responsibility to rest on Sundays.
I am grateful to Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Evelyn Trinidad for affirming my plea for contractors to behave on Sundays.
During the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting held in Bontoc, Mountain Province on June 29, I strongly suggested to the Department of Public Works and Highways and Provincial Engineering Office to reorient the contractors on public safety. We see most of the projects lack safety measures endangering workers and motorists.
Aside from public safety, I also braved ventilating about contractors who do not anymore care about their spiritual nourishment and the spiritual nourishment of their laborers, who are forced to work on Sundays. Eventually, they neglect the third commandment of God. The contractor is accountable.
Sundays must be given justice by every Christian. Well, for emergency cases, laborers may work on Sundays but it should be made a regular practice. I hope contractors will find time to listen to the Lord and give justice to Him. Let not money, equipment, profit, projects, and wealth turn gods.
The more we give the Lord praise and worship on Sunday, the more gifts will come. The more time we spend with the Lord on Sunday, the Lord will prepare us so that when our life ends on Earth, we are certain of our new home in heaven.
“Contractors, be reminded to feed your souls and not the body alone.
Congratulations to contractors who sustainably live a healthy spirituality through their Sunday spiritual activities such as actively attending the Holy Mass or Sunday services.”
Reach me at [email protected].
