Jesus offers a compelling image of transformation: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:20-33). These words, spoken on the road to the cross, carry a deep truth about how real change—whether in our lives or in our society—often requires loss, death, and letting go. This reflection takes on deeper urgency in the light of recent events: the arrest and ongoing trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. For many, this is a long-awaited moment of justice; for others, it is a painful disruption to a deeply held loyalty. Regardless of where we stand politically, we who follow the Way of Jesus are called not to blind allegiance but to walk in the light of truth, justice, and righteousness. Today, the Gospel challenges us as Filipinos: What must die in us for new life to rise? What does the path of the grain of wheat look like for our nation in this historic moment?
1. A Nation’s Heart Must Change
Jeremiah 31:31-34 – “I will write my law upon their hearts.”
In Jeremiah, God promises a new covenant—one not written on tablets of stone but inscribed upon human hearts. True transformation is always inward before it becomes societal.
Many of our kababayan have placed their hopes in strongmen, believing that force can create order. But the tragic toll of the war on drugs—with thousands dead and countless families shattered—leaves us asking: Did this truly bring peace, or did it cultivate fear and deepen injustice?
We must confront the hard truth: no political messiah can save us through violence. The healing of our land depends on the transformation of hearts—starting with our own. Are we willing to let go of old ways of violence, deception, and blind allegiance?
2. Leadership as Suffering, Not Domination
Hebrews 5:5-10 – “He learned obedience through what he suffered.”
Hebrews reminds us of a radical truth: real leadership flows not from dominance, but from suffering with and for others. Jesus, though the Son of God, did not cling to power. Instead, He embraced humility, sacrifice, and obedience.
This is the standard by which we must judge all who lead us: Did they serve the people—or did they serve themselves? Did they stand with the poor—or did they sacrifice the vulnerable? In our desire for strong leadership, have we excused brutality and overlooked the cries of victims?
Accountability is not persecution. It is an expression of love for the people. It is a sign that our democracy still breathes. As Filipinos, do we want leaders who wield fear, or leaders who bear the burden of justice?
3. The Seed Must Die for the Nation to Live
John 12:24 – “Unless a grain of wheat falls…”
Jesus’ image of the grain of wheat is both deeply personal and profoundly political. It reminds us that transformation is costly. For the Philippines to be truly renewed, some things must die:
- The culture of impunity must die. If leaders are never held accountable, corruption and violence will only deepen.
- The idolatry of the strongman must die. We do not need a savior in the mold of Caesar. We need leaders who embody compassion, truth, and integrity.
- Our silence must die. Too many of us—churches included—have looked away, dismissed the deaths, or accepted injustice as necessary.
Jesus said that the hour of His glorification was the hour of the cross. In the same way, our national redemption will not come through conquest or coercion—but through sacrifice, truth, and a shared pursuit of justice.
The Cross: Our Path to National Resurrection
We are standing at a national crossroads. The ICC trial is not just about one man—it is about who we are and who we hope to become.
- To Duterte’s supporters: If he is innocent, let him stand confidently before the law. If he is guilty, let justice be done. Jesus Himself taught, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
- To those seeking justice: Let our pursuit not be tainted by vengeance, but guided by righteousness. True justice heals; it does not simply punish.
- To the Church and the Filipino people: This is not the time for silence. We are called to be salt and light. Peacemakers. Truth-tellers. Advocates for the voiceless.
Lent is our invitation to repent, to let go, and to be transformed. As we move toward Easter, we ask: What must die in us for the Philippines to truly live?
Prayer:
Great Creator, You showed us that true power is found not in violence, but in love. O Christ, transform our hearts and our nation. Holy Spirit, give us the courage to seek truth, the strength to demand justice, and the wisdom to choose what is right. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
