Original Text(~250 words)
CHAPTER XXXI The Sermon Fray Damaso began slowly in a low voice: "'_Et spiritum bonum dedisti, qui doceret eos, et manna tuum non prohibuisti ab ore eorum, et aquam dedisti eis in siti_. And thou gavest thy good Spirit to teach them, and thy manna thou didst not withhold from their mouth, and thou gavest them water for their thirst!' Words which the Lord spoke through the mouth of Esdras, in the second book, the ninth chapter, and the twentieth verse." [88] Padre Sibyla glanced in surprise at the preacher. Padre Manuel Martin turned pale and swallowed hard that was better than his! Whether Padre Damaso noticed this or whether he was still hoarse, the fact is that he coughed several times as he placed both hands on the rail of the pulpit. The Holy Ghost was above his head, freshly painted, clean and white, with rose-colored beak and feet. "Most honorable sir" (to the alcalde), "most holy priests, Christians, brethren in Jesus Christ!" Here he made a solemn pause as again he swept his gaze over the congregation, with whose attention and concentration he seemed satisfied. "The first part of the sermon is to be in Spanish and the other in Tagalog; _loquebantur omnes linguas_." After the salutations and the pause he extended his right hand majestically toward the altar, at the same time fixing his gaze on the alcalde. He slowly crossed his arms without uttering a word, then suddenly passing from calmness to action, threw back his...
Continue reading the full chapter
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Summary
Padre Damaso delivers a lengthy, theatrical sermon that starts as religious instruction but becomes a thinly veiled attack on progressive Filipinos like Ibarra. Speaking first in Spanish for the educated audience, then in Tagalog for the locals, the priest praises Saint Diego while simultaneously condemning those who challenge traditional authority. His words are filled with coded references to 'heretics' and 'little philosophers' - clear attacks on educated Filipinos who dare to think independently. The congregation largely misses these subtle barbs, some even falling asleep during the rambling discourse. Maria Clara daydreams about Ibarra, while the alcalde dozes off entirely. The sermon reveals how religious authority can be weaponized to maintain social control, using the pulpit as a platform for personal vendettas rather than spiritual guidance. Padre Damaso's performance exposes his own insecurities and prejudices, showing how those in power often resort to public humiliation when their authority is threatened. Most significantly, as the service ends, a mysterious figure - Elias - warns Ibarra of danger at the upcoming cornerstone ceremony, suggesting that the priest's verbal attacks may escalate to physical threats. This chapter demonstrates how institutional power can corrupt spiritual leadership, turning sacred spaces into battlegrounds for political control.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Pulpit politics
Using religious authority or sacred spaces to push personal or political agendas rather than spiritual guidance. Padre Damaso turns his sermon into a weapon against his enemies.
Modern Usage:
Like when a pastor endorses specific candidates from the pulpit or uses Sunday service to attack community members they disagree with.
Coded language
Speaking in hints and indirect references to attack someone without naming them directly. Damaso calls progressives 'heretics' and 'little philosophers' while everyone knows he means Ibarra.
Modern Usage:
Like subtweeting someone or making passive-aggressive Facebook posts where everyone knows who you're really talking about.
Colonial clergy
Spanish priests who held enormous power in the Philippines, often more concerned with maintaining control than serving God. They could make or break reputations with a single sermon.
Modern Usage:
Similar to how some religious leaders today use their platform to control their communities rather than uplift them.
Performance righteousness
Making a big show of being holy or moral while actually being petty and vindictive. Damaso's theatrical gestures and Latin quotes mask his personal vendetta.
Modern Usage:
Like people who post Bible verses on social media while gossiping and tearing others down in real life.
Institutional gaslighting
When powerful organizations make victims question their own reality by using their authority to rewrite the narrative. The Church portrays progressives as dangerous enemies of God.
Modern Usage:
Like when companies blame workers for workplace problems or politicians claim protesters are the real threat to democracy.
Warning network
Informal systems where people look out for each other against powerful enemies. Elias risks himself to warn Ibarra of coming danger.
Modern Usage:
Like how workers warn each other about which managers to avoid or how communities share information about police activity.
Characters in This Chapter
Padre Damaso
Primary antagonist
Delivers a theatrical sermon that appears religious but is actually a personal attack on Ibarra and progressive Filipinos. His performance reveals his insecurity and abuse of religious authority.
Modern Equivalent:
The boss who uses staff meetings to publicly humiliate employees they don't like
Padre Sibyla
Observer/fellow priest
Watches Damaso's sermon with surprise, recognizing the quality of the biblical references. Represents other clergy who may not agree but stay silent.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker who sees workplace bullying but doesn't speak up
Maria Clara
Love interest
Daydreams about Ibarra during the sermon, showing her emotional connection to him despite the public attacks on his character.
Modern Equivalent:
The girlfriend who still loves you even when everyone's talking trash about you
The alcalde
Civil authority
Falls asleep during the sermon, showing how even government officials tune out when clergy get too preachy and self-serving.
Modern Equivalent:
The city council member who zones out during public comment period
Elias
Mysterious ally
Appears at the end to warn Ibarra of danger at the upcoming cornerstone ceremony, showing there are people watching out for him.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who slides into your DMs to warn you that someone's planning to cause trouble for you
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when someone uses their official role to launch personal attacks while maintaining plausible deniability.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when criticism comes wrapped in official language or policy—ask yourself if the real message matches the stated purpose.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"The first part of the sermon is to be in Spanish and the other in Tagalog"
Context: Damaso announces he'll speak in both languages to reach different audiences
This reveals the colonial hierarchy - Spanish for the educated elite, Tagalog for the masses. It also shows how he tailors his message to control different groups differently.
In Today's Words:
I'm going to say this in English for the educated folks, then repeat it in your language so everyone gets the message.
"Beware of the little philosophers, the little doctors who know everything"
Context: During his sermon attacking educated Filipinos who question authority
This is a direct attack on Ibarra and other progressives, using religious authority to paint education and critical thinking as dangerous to faith and order.
In Today's Words:
Don't trust those college-educated people who think they know better than tradition.
"Tomorrow during the ceremony, don't go down into the pit"
Context: Warning Ibarra about danger at the cornerstone laying ceremony
This cryptic warning suggests a plot against Ibarra's life, showing how Damaso's verbal attacks may escalate to physical violence. It also reveals Elias as a protector.
In Today's Words:
Stay away from that construction site tomorrow - someone's planning to hurt you.
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Pulpit Power Play - When Authority Weaponizes Sacred Spaces
When threatened authority figures use their institutional power to attack challengers while hiding behind their official role.
Thematic Threads
Power
In This Chapter
Padre Damaso abuses his religious authority to launch personal attacks against Ibarra from the pulpit
Development
Escalating from earlier subtle resistance to open warfare using institutional power
In Your Life:
You might see this when supervisors use meetings to publicly shame employees who've challenged them.
Class
In This Chapter
The priest attacks 'little philosophers' and educated Filipinos who dare to think independently
Development
Building on established tensions between traditional authority and emerging educated class
In Your Life:
You might experience this when family members attack your education or career choices as 'getting above yourself.'
Identity
In This Chapter
Ibarra's progressive identity makes him a target for those defending traditional order
Development
His identity as an educated reformer increasingly puts him in danger
In Your Life:
You might face this when your personal growth threatens others' sense of their place in the hierarchy.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The congregation is expected to accept the priest's authority without question, even when he abuses it
Development
Showing how social norms protect corrupt authority figures
In Your Life:
You might feel this pressure to stay quiet when authority figures behave badly because 'that's just how things are.'
Deception
In This Chapter
Religious language masks personal vendettas and political attacks
Development
Introduced here as a sophisticated form of manipulation using sacred authority
In Your Life:
You might encounter this when people use noble-sounding reasons to justify personal attacks or unfair treatment.
Modern Adaptation
When the Supervisor Uses the Safety Meeting
Following Crisostomo's story...
Crisostomo has been pushing for better safety protocols at the warehouse after his training in logistics management overseas. During the monthly safety meeting, Supervisor Martinez delivers what sounds like standard safety reminders but is actually a coded attack on 'troublemakers who think they know better than people who've been here twenty years.' Speaking loudly about 'outside agitators' and 'college boys who don't understand real work,' Martinez praises 'loyal employees who follow procedures' while his eyes stay fixed on Crisostomo. The other workers shift uncomfortably—some nodding along, others staring at their phones. Martinez can't be challenged directly because he's conducting an official safety meeting, using company policy as cover for personal retaliation. After the meeting, an older worker, Elena, quietly warns Crisostomo that Martinez has been telling upper management he's a 'disruptive influence' and that tomorrow's equipment inspection might not go well for him.
The Road
The road Padre Damaso walked in 1887, Crisostomo walks today. The pattern is identical: authority figures weaponizing their institutional power to destroy challengers while hiding behind their official role.
The Map
This chapter provides a navigation tool for recognizing when authority is being weaponized against you. Crisostomo can identify the coded language, the strategic use of official platforms, and the way legitimate concerns get reframed as character flaws.
Amplification
Before reading this, Crisostomo might have taken Martinez's words at face value or blamed himself for causing workplace tension. Now he can NAME it as institutional retaliation, PREDICT the escalation to formal disciplinary action, and NAVIGATE by documenting everything and building alliances with witnesses like Elena.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does Padre Damaso use his position as a priest to attack Ibarra without directly confronting him?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Padre Damaso feel threatened by Ibarra's education and progressive ideas?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen someone use their job title or position to shut down criticism instead of addressing it directly?
application • medium - 4
If you were in Ibarra's position, how would you respond to someone using their authority to publicly undermine you?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about how people react when their power or expertise is challenged?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Hidden Message
Think of a time when someone criticized you indirectly - maybe through sarcasm, coded language, or talking about 'some people' while clearly meaning you. Write down what they actually said, then translate what they really meant. Now flip it: write down a direct, honest version of what they could have said instead.
Consider:
- •Notice how indirect attacks make it harder to defend yourself
- •Consider why people choose coded language over direct confrontation
- •Think about which approach would actually solve problems versus just venting frustration
Journaling Prompt
Write about a situation where you felt someone was attacking you indirectly. How did their approach affect your ability to respond? What would have happened if they had been direct instead?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 32: The Sabotaged Foundation Ceremony
The coming pages reveal public ceremonies can mask private vendettas and hidden agendas, and teach us paying attention to warning signs and gut instincts can save your life. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.