Archbishop Joseph Harris has spoken out against government corruption, pleading with the public not to commit “serious sin.” Speaking at Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church at Harris Promenade, San Fernando, during Palm Sunday celebrations yesterday, Archbishop Harris said, “Every time we commit serious sin we crucify the lord once again.”
Although he did not make any reference to politicians, Harris said serious sin such as government corruption and murders were a form of crucifixion.
“Every murder is a crucifixion of the Lord. Every time we leave a homeless person to die on the streets is a crucifixion of the Lord. Every time someone dies in our hospitals because of poor medical care is a crucifixion of the Lord. Every time there is corruption in Government, it is a crucifixion of the Lord and we take part in it,” Harris said.
The Archbishop’s comments came days after Housing Minister Marlene McDonald was fired for hiring relatives at her constituency office. Several UNC MPs, including former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Princes Town MP Barry Padarath have also admitted to hiring close relatives in their offices.
Asking the congregation whether they “really loved the Lord,” Harris said those who commit sin are betraying Christ.
“How often have we told the Lord I will never betray You and how often, a few minutes after, we betray the Lord for a few pieces of silver....if not silver it will be a skirt or pants or something else,” Harris said. He also urged the congregation not to lime at the beaches and attend sporting events for Easter.
“If we are serious about celebrating the passion death and resurrection we have to find ourselves in this story. I know many of you would have made arrangements to go to the beach or to some sports meeting. Every year I say please try not to do that,” Harris said. He urged his congregation to spend the three days in reflection and meditation.
“Live these three days with the community to which you belong because this is not an individual feast that we celebrate by ourselves. This is a feast of the community that we celebrate together. We can change our story from damnation to salvation,” Harris said.
Harris said there was a perception in T&T that “God is a Trini” mainly because T&T has been spared from upheaval multiple times.
“I remember five or six years ago there were rumours that a hurricane was coming to Trinidad. Businesses were closed, people were sent home...schools were closed. But down in St James by a popular bar there were people feteing and liming and drinking and they said God was a Trini, nothing will happen. When the hurricane flew North, people said we tell you God is a Trini. He wouldn't let any hurricane hit us...many people were praising and thanking God who is a Trini,” Harris said.
However, he added that even though T&T has been treated well by God, people continue to crucify Him.