Archbishop: Bad men enslaved by arrogance

THIS society’s root problem is arrogance where one thinks he is “badder” or bigger than another, but is in fact enslaved, lamented Roman Catholic Archbishop Jason Gordon. He gave a homily at a mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain, to mark the Holy Thursday tradition of the washing of feet.

Lamenting the prevalence of arrogance, pride and hubris in TT, Gordon said, “That is not freedom but enslavement.”

He related Jesus Christ’s Last Supper to the Jewish celebration of the exodus from Egypt and the Passover which celebrate freedom. “True freedom comes from surrendering every area of our life to God. Doing what you want to do is not freedom but licence.”

Saying licence wrecks our values and dignity, Gordon said, “True freedom is living a virtuous life, dedicated to the service of God.”

While some criticised Jesus for having his feet washed by a penitent prostitute, Gordon said Jesus had felt true freedom by accepting her act of genuine love.

The archbishop said God has given himself to us as a humble servant in the person of Jesus so we can experience His love.

“Those who want to play big and bad have not yet encountered the love of God.” Arrogance and pride in TT leads to gangs killing people, governments falling short, businesses overcharging, public servants not working, priests not living as priests and all sorts of disharmony, he said.

In contrast, humble service brings freedom. “Freedom is when someone would do the most lowly of tasks with incredible joy.”

Gordon hoped people could stop their aggressive posturing, so we could start to heal the nation, to become a most amazing place.

He then washed the feet of 12 members of the congregation to represent Christ’s 12 apostles.