Today Central Philippine University joined the United Nations in celebrating the World Human Rights Day. Interestingly, the celebration falls during the Christmas season. The first Christmas story was not just a joyous celebration of the angels, the worship of the shepherds, and the gift giving of Wise Men but it was also a very sad time because of the heinous violation of the human rights of the innocent children — the right to live. The lives of many children were cut short by the command of King Herod because he wanted to kill Jesus.

What lessons can we learn from this story?

First, violation of human rights happens if people are insecure of their position. King Herod did not want that anybody would threaten his kingship. He even put to death his wife and sons. Thus, we need to remember that we should strive to be promoted, not because we have put down others, but because of our own merit.

Second, human rights are trampled because of pride. King Herod summoned the chief priests and teachers of the law, and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. All of them answered that the prophets have foretold that it would be in Bethlehem. Even with this affirmation, King Herod did not humble himself. He could have organized a search party of his own and looked for Jesus. Instead he tried to trick the Wise Men. King Herod+s pride resulted into the bloody death of the innocent children. This teaches us then to always strive to humble ourselves because our pride will only hurt others.

Let us check our insecurities and our pride, and commit it to God because if it will continue to be unchecked, it will surely lead to hurting others.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Acting Director
Office of Communications
Central Philippine University