“LIFE IS FOR ITSELF AND NOT FOR A SPECTACLE.” This is a statement of a great German
philosopher who I recall is called ‘Immanuel Kant’. Lately I was reflecting on the wisdom of
this statement.
I looked at what is happening during a Celebration of
Holy Mass. I observed how the people
behave during the celebration. It then
dawned on me that, indeed, there are in general three kinds of people’s behavior
which another philosopher has categorized in an article I read several years
ago, namely:
1. The
Indifferent – those who do not care what is happening.
2. The
spectators – those who see what is happening but do not do anything.
3. The
participants – those who are involved in one way or another on what is
happening.
During the Eucharistic Celebration,
there are people who are there present,
but do not care at all on what is happening. Most of them stay outside the church and just
sit or stand and attend to whatever may please them. They are simply indifferent.
There are those who just look at what is happening, but
do not join the congregation in their songs or responses. They are just spectators.
There are those, however, who are actively involved in
serving on a particular ministry or who join the congregation in singing and
responding to the liturgical prayers.
This observation makes me realize the value of getting
involved in what is happening in the community where we live as well as in the
world at large. Our life here on earth
must have a significant contribution in one way or another to make this world a
better place to live in. Hence, one
should not be a mere spectator in life,
but should give a meaning to his life by doing something worthwhile
which could enhance the parameters for a decent life here on earth.
Life, indeed, is a Gift from the Supreme Being in this
world. It is a priceless treasure which
should not be wasted for one’s own selfish interests, but should be used in
worthwhile endeavors that will redound to the common good of all.
In short, our life on earth should not be like a program
just to be seen or appreciated by others, but should have a definite objective
that will make it significant in the overall plan of God in creating this
world.
by: Buddy Cagurangan
Oct. 13,2013
