The Church and Fortune with Blessings
By josefina
@josie_ (10033)
Philippines
June 27, 2017 8:43pm CST
When I was living in Manila many years ago, my way to the public market takes me pass the Quiapo Cathedral where the famed Black Nazarene is housed. This statue of a black Jesus carrying a cross has millions of devotees who believe in it's miraculous powers. January 9 is it's feast day.
Today business establishments like the ubiquitous McDonald's, food courts, beer houses, banks and stores selling mostly "made in China" products have continue to flourish around the area.
But what still remind me of the place were the beggars and pickpockets that frequent the place, street vendors selling "anting anting"(charms and amulets), herbal medicine (many for abortion purposes) and fortune tellers reading tarot cards and the palms of church goers.
This for me was a contradiction of everything a church stood for.
Try to imagine an unwed girl coming out of the church and buying herbal medicine for aborting her unwanted pregnancy. Amulets to ward off evil and "gayuma" love potions are also popular. Then there are the fortune tellers who do a brisk business. It seems religion and fortune telling have one thing in common...faith.
I am reminded about the Bible story of Jesus clearing the temples of money changers and merchants.
Not surprising, this diocese is one of the richest in the country. It is truly blessed. (Sarcasm intended)
Photo Image: Wikimedia
7 people like this
9 responses
@LeaPea2417 (40029)
• Toccoa, Georgia
28 Jun 17
Yes, the Bible story of Jesus clearing the temples of money changers and merchants. He would definitely do that in this situation.
3 people like this
@josie_ (10033)
• Philippines
28 Jun 17
@LeaPea2417 _Matthew supposedly was a tax collector yet became a disciple and apostle of Jesus.
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (40029)
• Toccoa, Georgia
28 Jun 17
@josie_ I like that story. It is so inspiring that men like Matthew followed Jesus. They left their lives to follow Him.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (502491)
• Italy
28 Jun 17
As soon as I started reading the story of Jesus clearing the temple came to my mind. It is the same in every place where there are important Churches and people pretend that, visiting and making gifts, you can be granted with miraculous healing, jobs bringing money and so on. Even the Pope recently admitted that a famous place where people go is not to be trusted.
I did not need that he confirmed.
I did not need that he confirmed.1 person likes this
@josie_ (10033)
• Philippines
28 Jun 17
@LadyDuck _Superstition is still rampant. Only today we call it religion. Who doesn't want a miracle? It's a validation of their belief. That they are the "chosen" few. Many churches encourage the practice of tithing. Members give and for the wrong reasons. It's not about helping the less fortunate but in the belief that their offerings will produce a tenfold return to them.
2 people like this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
1 Jul 17
Seems like a great location for the church since the church seems to be prospering.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
28 Jun 17
Sad that the church is a hot spot for vendors and beggars. I doubt Jesus would approve.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10033)
• Philippines
28 Jun 17
@Srbageldog _Church goers are more charitable after attending mass.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (68246)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
28 Jun 17
Everything relies on faith.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10033)
• Philippines
1 Jul 17
@YrNemo _The church has a long history dating back to the early Spanish colonization of the Philippines (15th century). It burn down several times and an earthquake destroyed it. The present building was erected in the 1930's. It's a minor basilica.
1 person likes this
