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WILMER TRIA
Dear Fr. Wilmer Tria:
Your Open Letter to Mr. Harvey Keh last January 23, 2009 was forwarded to me by a friend
some time ago. You may have the best of intentions in writing the letter, but, I believe, we
have here a case of "the pot calling the kettle black". It never works to denounce someone so
that one can look pretty-pink in public. One should stay away from criticizing his neighbor's
house when one's own is in need of repair.
As Christ said in the Gospel of Matthew: "Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's
eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
It would be better to focus your talent in steering the Church closer to the poor and making it
more relevant and transparent, thus truly affirming it as the Mystical Body of Christ.
I am not trying, nor wish, to defend Mayor Robredo. Heaven knows I have more issues
against his administration than you. Nor do I wish to denigrade the Church. I just feel strongly
that it would be better for you to concentrate on problems concerning your area of
competence as a man of the cloth.
In the spirit of constructive criticism and self-criticism, therefore, I would like to suggest to
you and to the Union of Bicol Clergy to look into these following issues:
It is disappointing for us, laymen, to see that, except perhaps for a few, the members of
the local clergy today are as "smug as a bug in a beer mug". Many have become too
comfortable in their positions, content in just making a living out of the priesthood or making
a career out of it, forgetting that it is a sacred vocation. Many have forgotten that they are here
to serve, not to be served. Most have lost the missionary vision of being "fishers of men".
The wise Erasmus, a long time ago, wrote: "In the land of the blind, a one-eyed man is
king." Another wise man added: "Be wary, then, of people with very little vision desiring to
lead those who have none."
Look down on your feet, Fr. Wilmer Tria: Do you truly see the shoes of the Fisherman,
or designer shoes from the house of Armani?
Sincerely,
JAIME G. AREJOLA
Naga City
November 25, 2009