Day 91: Duty

This is another post from a friend:

"Everyday, when I put on my uniform, I come to work with a sense of purpose. Each day brings in the new and unexpected. I learn to be vigilant always, to supervise offenders carefully and do it with compassion. In fact, everyday, I am continuously learning and growing and the best reward is knowing that I am here to help. To help in the reformation and reintegration efforts in enabling ex-offenders change for the better and to rejoin them with the families in the community. Everybody can serve our society with conviction, making a real difference in the lives of man. 

My work as a correctional officer allows me to realize my goal---- to INSPIRE, MOTIVATE and TRANSFORM LIVES."

Day 90: Tension

c/o diningwithsinners.org

Change is never an easy thing to do. It takes courage, determination and wisdom to go for it. Resistance is a normal reaction to change but it makes a person shrink especially if what involves in change is for the common good of everybody.

Rules are meant to guide, at times to discipline. They both allow human beings to know the limits of their humanity but they also highlight their capacity to be humane. When one violates them, it only proves that one is really in dire need of them.

In human formation change and rules work side by side. Undoubtedly they create tension but it’s what makes them to not fall apart. However change and rules will never work unless one stop thinking that he/she is the boss, that everything is under his/her power. And unless one submits to the Power from Above, change and rules will remain impossible tasks to pull off.   

Day 89: No to Evil

Day 88: Sentiment

I want to share a post (on FB) from a friend. 

"not meant to be a priest, perhaps, not even a lawyer... struggling with where i am right now, made countless wrong decisions along the way.. but with all the failures and the set-backs.. i tried, and am still trying...still searching for that elusive "eureka" moment...


i guess that is all that matters.. believing with all of one's heart that anytime soon everything will turn out just to be fine..not perfect..but simply being happy because in spite of all of these hardships which I have to undergo and overcome.. it made me hungrier...

These gave me hope beyond all hopes...When someday i can say... "now, i'm where am supposed to be..i'm with the person whom i am supposed to be with.... I'm the person i'm supposed to be"

Day 87: The Annunciation

The Solemnity of the Annunication falls on 26 March this year because yesterday was the 5th Sunday of Lent.

Day 86: Yet another story of ‘heroism

While waiting for my turn at the prefecture, we met two Filipino women whose turn is a bit behind us since they arrived later. I suggested that they give me their documents and I’ll have them done along with mine. It worked and saved them time. One of them invited us for a cup of coffee; the other one however went ahead because she needs to go to her part time job.  The three of us then went to a nearby cafeteria.

Rosefie Trilles Jimenez or Rose hails from Legazpi City in Bicol. She arrived in Rome in 2007 through an agency which cost her almost half a million Pesos. Her love for family encouraged her to brace all the difficult situations her stay and life abroad had brought her.  She has since remained strong-willed to fulfill her duty – to support her family.

Her story is one of the hundred thousand stories one can hear from a Filipino migrant or overseas worker. The love for family is always the main reason and top priority why they go abroad to work which is a very good thing but could also prevent personal growth, fulfillment and sense of happiness. The common mistake that we normally do is to replace God as Savior; we want to become the personal savior of our own including our extended family.

As a result, you lose the opportunity to think of your own future and happiness, and the people whom you want to ‘save’ lose the opportunity to become independent and responsible persons. To labor hard to help them is indeed a noble act of kindness; it can also be a ‘channel of grace,’ but going beyond what is required of you to the point of ‘sacrificing’ your own growth and happiness prevents you to achieve the purpose of life – the life in which Jesus, in John 10.10b spoke about, “I have come to give you life, and have it to the full.”

There are many ways in which we can be of help to our family and other people. But let us be wise to know when to stop, when to say no and when to withdraw. Let the light of and wisdom of God lead us to the life of the blessed.

(I would like to thank Rose for her generosity)

Day 85: 3 in 1

The thought of a whole day trip to three different and distant places made me hesitant of our trip yesterday. However it was already planned and I agreed to accompany my superior who is in Rome for a ‘course’ organized by our General Curia. I know beforehand that the trip will be long and exhausting so I made some early preparation. Besides, I have never been to those places and thought the opportunity is timely.

We traveled the long road of Aurelia until we reach Civitavecchia then made a turn towards Viterbo where we visited a medieval Cathedral which houses the incorrupt body of Saint Lucia Filippine. The place has the typical county side atmosphere from its houses and business establishments to the way people dress and behave – very relaxed and simple lifestyle.

Then we headed to Orvieto which Wikipedia described as “a city and comune situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff in the Province of Terni, southwestern of Umbria, Italy. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone called Tufa.” This is my second visit to the place and the Duomo (Orvieto Cathedral) never ceases to amaze me.  All my superior and I uttered continuously was “wow, amazing!” The Cathedral houses the corporal that was used during the 13^th century Eucharistic miracle in a nearby town of Bolsena.  Aside from this, the city of Orvieto is also famous for its ‘underground city’ which we failed to visit due to time constraint. Hopefully, a third visit will lead me to ‘explore’ the city more.

It took us one and a half hour to reach Siena, famous for its medieval landscape, cuisine, and horse race which the city holds every year. But our interest is in the famous Dominican Saint, Catherine who is the patroness of Rome, Italy and Europe, and one of the few female Doctors of the Church. Her incorrupt head is enshrined in one of the altars of San Domenico church.  We also visited her home where the religious ceremony for her canonization took place. Providentially, we met the ‘manager’ of the book shop who is very accommodating and well-mannered Sienese.  He allowed us to take photos to our heart’s content, gave us a considerable discount for the books and souvenirs we bought from the store, and even encouraged me to do my Italian language in Siena. He added that the Dominicans are his second family.

Running late, we hurried to Assisi where we hope to visit St Francis’ and Clare’s convents respectively. The trip was tough because it was that time of the day where religious holds it ‘sacred’. Moreover, we haven’t had a decent meal. But once we arrived at the site, the ‘sick’ feeling was turned into excitement and admiration. Beating the clock, we immediately visited the tomb of St Francis which was placed under the Cathedral. The Cathedral is adjacent to the Priory of St Francis which from each angle ‘imprint the poverty’ of the friars. We know they are rich but what we do not know is how rich they are.

We are very fortunate to meet a friar from China who showed us around the convent. The refectory of the priory itself attests how the friars minor are living simply with an ‘elegant attitude.’ By the time we leave the convent, we already have the idea on how rich they are.

On the other side of the hill stands the church of St Clare of Assisi which by the time we reached the place, it was already closed. Fr Vincent tried to convince the church’s security but to no avail. Instead we just enjoyed the view and took photos as much as we can. All in all it was a visit worth keeping and thanking for. Visiting places of God’s great saints is an occasion which our thirsting, hungry and weary soul can benefit from. I am especially inspired and invigorated to follow the lead of the ‘Author of Light,’ which we praise in the ‘Canticle of the Sun,’ and whose body we adore in the ‘Monstrance.’

St Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

St Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

St Clare of Assisi, pray for us!

Day 84: Good pUsh

I have recourse to take two subjects in Italian this second semester to push myself a little bit to learn the language. One of them falls every Friday. Although it’s tough and exhausting I am pleased on how it is giving me advantage. Somehow I can manage to follow the discussion although it’s a little bit depressing whenever I don’t get the jokes and funny stories from our professor, who is by the way a very learned Italian. But every after class I make sure I give time to look on how I progressed and gladly the conviction I get is always affirmative. This is a good starting point to a lengthy period of becoming.

Day 83: Tanghaliang Pinoy

The Filipino students and staff of Angelicum University decided to have lunch together yesterday. It lasted two hours and very typical of Filipinos at meal. There are few things which make such a gathering worth keeping:

1.    It enhances camaraderie among us.

2.    Telling jokes and stories or even the simple exchanges of ‘how are you,’ is never difficult with the use of our native language.

3.    Sharing of personal information and experiences, ideas and point of views, faith and religious vocation story create an atmosphere of a strong support system.

4.    Food is homemade and suits our taste buds. 

My gratitude to Fr Julius Cuison, Edu and Mary, Sr Lilian, OP, Sr Christine, SPC and Fr William, OFMCap. Next week we will be received by the chaplain of Sentro Pilipino Chaplaincy (Rome).

Day 82: How Would I Know?

I was told I would never understand being a parent because I don't have a child of my own (since I am a Catholic priest). Today I was told I would never know the feeling of falling in love (man-woman relationship) since I am a priest...

Day 81: Color Blind

In a Chinese restaurant, the waitress asked me if I am Thai. I said I'm a Filipino. She seemed not convinced so she asked me a second time. And I gave her the same answer. Finally, she gave up but mused a derogatory remark. She said, Thais and Filipinos are the same, by their skin color (referring that because both countries have a year round 'hot' climate that we become dark skinned). Keeping my cool I told her that yes, we're dark skinned (translated 'black' in Chinese, and it's a distaste) but that's different from being ‘black,’ like for example, majority of Africans are black. Perhaps due to the fact that this waitress' brain is as small as the size of her eyes that she exclaimed, "Oh, it's the same thing." Protesting calmly, I said, "No, it's not. Brown and Black are two different 'colors'" And I continued, "so following your argument, Chinese are Americans then?" You should have seen the look on her face. I just gave her a pill to shut her up.

Done

I finally made it – I have already completed all the documents required to be an ‘official’ resident of Italy. It sounded dramatic but that’s the case here, from the Italians' body expressions to some of them treating foreigners like crap. Three things you need to have in order to survive the ordeal: patience, ability to speak the language, and to say ‘God bless you’ more often. If luck is on your favor you wouldn’t even need to make an effort, but that’s a once in a blue moon happening. Otherwise, pack up your things and go back to your beloved country.

But hey, there is one consolation you would enjoy and should (be) drive you to stay i.e. the 'smell' of history through their monuments, architectures and basilicas whose credit by the way should go to the men and women in the past who as slaves built all those great edifices which our senses are now enjoying. 

John 3.16

(Ikaapat na Linggo sa panahon ng Kwaresma)

Ang Ebanghelyo ay napapalooban ng paghahambing sa dalawang katauhan ng paglilitas ng Diyos sa tao:

1.      Unang binanggit si Moyses na siyang tagapag-abot ng Batas. Oo nga at umakyat siya sa bundok at bumaba na dala ang Kautusan mula sa Diyos, subalit hindi siya umakyat sa langit. Si Hesus ay bumaba mula sa langit (at hindi hulog ng langit) at ngayo’y nangungusap ng mga bagay na alam na niya, nakita at narinig sa langit. Ang ‘karunugan’ ng Diyos para kay Moses ay nakapaloob sa Batas, subalit ang ‘karunungan’ ng Diyos ay si Hesus.

2.      Ang ikalawang paghahambing ay ang tungkol sa kwento ng ‘ahas’ sa ilang. Kung paanong ang pag-gawa at pagtataas ng tungkod na may ulo ng ahas ay nakapagligtas ng maraming buhay, ito ay sumisimbolo sa pansamantalang kagalingan at dugtong na buhay. Subalit ng ang ating Panginoong Hesus ang itinaas na nakapako sa Krus, hindi lamang tayo nagkamit ng tunay na kagalingan bagkus ang pagkapako ng Anak ng Tao ang naging daluyan ng buhay na walang hanggan para sa lahat.

3.      Ang mga pagkukumparang ito ay tumutukoy sa iisang katotohanan, na MAHAL tayo ng Diyos. Ito ay pinagtibay at pinatunayan Niya sa pagsusugo niya ng kanyang bugtong na Anak Ang dakilang gawa ng Diyos na ito ang nagdala sa mundo ng buhay at kaligtasan. Kahit ang paraan ng pagkakatawang tao ng Karunugan ng Diyos ay naging masalimuot, walang agam-agam na masasabi natin na napakadakila ng Pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin dahil ito ang naging pangunahing layunin ng Diyos sa paglapit niya sa tao.

4.      Maliwanag na nalaman na natin ang kahalagahan natin sa Diyos. Ngayon ang tanong, mahalaga ba para sa ating buhay ang Diyos? Dahil sa ipinamalas na Pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin, naibahagi na niya ang para sa kanya. Ngayon, ang kailangan nating gawin ay ang ating “bahagi” upang makamtan natin ang biyaya ng Diyos sa atin. Ang regalo kahit libre ay tinatanggap at pinapahalagahan. Gayun din naman ang regalong alok ng Diyos ay dapat din nating tanggapin, sa pamamagitan ng ating pananampalataya. Marami sa atin ang hingi ng hingi ng biyaya mula sa Diyos ngunit hindi alam kung papaano ito tatanggapin.

5.      Samakatuwid, ang pagtanggap ay kinapapalooban ng responsibilidad. Tulad halimbawa ng regalo ng ating pananampalataya. Ito ay dapat na may kaakibat na tungkulin na ipahayag at ipamalas, lalo sa mga pagkakataon ng pagsubok at ‘krisis’ ng buhay. Ang pananampalataya natin ang panlaban natin sa bumabalot na takot mula sa kasalanan at kamatayan, kasamaan at kadiliman. Ang tutoong naghahanap ng katotohanan ay hindi matatakot na harapin at lapitan ang liwanag ng mundo. Bagamat ang liwanag ay nagdudulot ng paghusga, ito ay nagpapalaya at nagpapagaling. Hindi ba’t sa liwanang lamang natin mahuhusgahan na mabuti ang isang bagay o sitwasyon? Gayun din naman ang liwanag ng Diyos ang siya ring naging paraan upang makita at maranasan natin ang Pag-ibig niya. 

Day 80: Joseph, the father of the Son of God

Day 79: Paano ba maging isang Magulang?

Ang katanungan na ito ay maaring sagutin sa dalawang paraan:

 1.      Ang pagiging magulang ay ang pagkakaroon ng anak na kalamitan ay tumutukoy sa bunga ng pagtatalik o pagsasama ng mag-asawa o magkasama sa buhay. Mayroon din naman ng dahil sa problema ng kalusugan o dahil sa sariling kapasiyahan ay  nag-aampon upang magkaroon ng anak. May mga tao din naman na sapagkat dulot ng pagtugon sa tawag ng pananampalataya at paglilingkod ay nag-aalaga ng mga anak na pinabayaan at binalewala ng mga sarili nitong mga magulang. Bagamat ang dalawang uri o grupo ng tao na aking nabanggit ay hindi mga magulang sa ‘natural’ o pangkaraniwang pagkakaunawa, sila din ay mga magulang sa kanilang ginagawang pag-aaruga at pagbibigay ng pagmamahal sa kanilang mga ‘anak.’

2.      Sa isang dako, ang pagiging magulang ay tumutukoy sa         pagpapakita, pag-ako at pagtupad sa tungkulin ng mga 

magulang sa kanilang mga anak. Kaya nga hindi natatapos ang pagiging magulang ng isang tao sa pagiging kadugo o pagluluwal lamang. Ang pagiging magulang ay isang panghabambuhay na pagtugon sa panawagan ng Diyos, na kinapapalooban ng habambuhay na pagtitiis, pag-aalay at pagbibigay ng sarili alang-alang sa sinisintang anak.

Nang dahil sa katotohanang ang dalahin na ito ay ‘panghabambuhay’ kung kaya’t marami ngayon ang nagpapasya na huwag magkaroon ng anak, dahil sa takot sa tungkulin, dahil sa takot na maghirap at magtiis. Maraming tao sa kasalukuyan na mas pinipili na mag-alaga ng mga hayop tulad ng aso at pusa, at itinuturing nilang parang tao: binibilhan ng laruan, ng mga damit at pagkain, at dinadala sa ‘parlor’ para sa pagpapaganda. Mayroon din na may sariling bahay o tuluģan, at hindi na ako magigitla kung kahit sa ‘last will and testament’ ng kanilang mga ‘magulang’ ay kabilang sila. Nakakatawa man subalit ito ay laganap na nangyayari ngayon.



Simple lang naman ang dahilan kung bakit mas gusto nilang maging ‘magulang’ ng hayop kaysa ng tao: ayaw nilang umako ng malaking pananagutan. Kaya nga madali para sa atin na husgahan sila na mga ‘makasarili’ at ‘duwag.’ Subalit sa isang banda, maari din nating sabihin na may katwiran sila dahil sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, hindi biro ang maging isang magulang, “Mas mabuti nang walang anak kaysa mayroon nga subalit hindi naman kayang buhayin at bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan.” May napakalaking patotoo sa katwiran na ito na maaring maging pagtatapòs ng isang argumento o pagtatalo.

   Subalit ang parehong katwiran na ito ay lubos na mapanlinlang, dahil inilalayo nito tayo sa tutuong kahulugan at kakanyahan ng pagiging magulang – ito ay ang WALANG PAG-IIMBOT na pagmamahal. Ang Diyos Ama ang nag-iisa at ganap na halimbawa ng pagiging magulang, “Nang dahil sa kadakilaan ng pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya’t isinugo niya ang kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang manampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapahamak bagkus magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.” (Jn 3:16)

Kung tutuusin dahil sa ating masamang gawa, tayo ay nagkasala sa Diyos. Ang pagkakasala natin na ito ay nagbunga ng isang napakalaking utang na hindi natin kayang bayaran. Maaring ipawalang bisa ng Diyos ang pagkakautang na ito subalit ang Diyos ay ganap na Makaturungan kaya nararapat lamang na tayo ay magbata ng hirap at tanggapin ang parusa ng Diyos sa ating kasalanan. Hindi tayo maaring maghinakdal o dumaing dahil karapat-dapat lamang natin itong danasin.


  Subalit ang Diyos ay lubos ding Maawain, kaya’t minarapat niya na akuin at bayaran ng buo ang ating utang, sa pagkakatawang-tao Niya na nagbunga ng malagim na paghihirap at kamatayan na dapat sana’y tayo ang magdanas. At dahil sa napakalaking pagkukusa na ito sa bahagi ng Diyos, tayo ay nagkaroon ng kaligtasan; ng bagong anyo; ng buhay na walang hanggan.

Nang dahil sa napakagandang biyayang ito makakayanan natin ang kahirapan, pagtitiis, takot at pagdurusa dahil tayo ay may lakas na nagmumula sa ating pananampalataya sa pangako ng Diyos. Kaya nga ang katuwirang, “Mas mabuti nang walang anak kaysa mayroon nga subalit hindi naman kayang buhayin at bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan.” ay isang baluktot at buktot na katuwiran. Ang mga tao lamang na walang pananampalataya ang kayang gumawa nito. Subalit tayong mga kumikilala, nananampalataya at sumusunod sa ating Panginoong Hesukristo, batid natin kung paanong maging isang tunay at mabuting magulang, dahil si Hesus ang katauhan ng Diyos Ama, ang pagpapahayag ng Kanyang Karunungan, Katarungan at walang pag-iimbot na Pagmamahal. Amen.

Day 78: What is Lent?

Day 77: Missionaries of Christ

Day 77: Sometimes it works...

I found myself running ‘errands’ yesterday and today, accomplishing one document after the other. After a gruesome experience of not obtaining an annual metro bus card for Euro 150 the first time I tried it, yesterday the ‘weather’ seems to be shining on me. Without ‘dropping a sweat’ and undergoing the usual litany of Q&A, I managed to have the kind I stubbornly wanted to get. Thanks to my friend Cecilia who accompanied me and became my ‘spokesperson.’ It saved me time, effort and money. I was also able to get a ‘postepay’ (debit card) with ease, even with my poor knowledge of Italian. Today, I went (with Fr Romy) to Rome’s prefecture office to have my translated document for driving signed and certified. We waited for over an hour but this scenario is always given here, and nothing in comparison to my previous experiences. Anyway, I still have to do two more procedures to finally obtain a driver’s license and drive around Italy. Not bad eh! (Driving here is another story though). On Monday, I am off to get my health insurance card. And then I can relax and prepare to go back to Taiwan…haha!

Day 76: Silence

Day 75: Being Social or Social Being

Today I was once again noticed of my ‘seemingly’ socializing too much with people whom I meet and become friends with here in Rome. Some of these people couldn’t contain the fact that I can have time for socialization amid the demands of studies. Little that these people know that I am doing just fine with both because what I do is to try to enjoy every minute of my stay here. I am a social being and being social is one of the elements of being healthy. Of course the priority is to get a degree but it’s not just about that. If their concern is to remind me about my priority, I acknowledge that but again I am perfectly aware of what I am capable of, and modesty aside, I am doing better. If their intention is beyond this concern then I can smell the seething envy which ensues from their nonsensical comments and endless asking. Maybe it’s time for these folks to spend their social life in a healthy way so to experience the merits which a social being like me enjoy and celebrate.   

Day 75: Transformation

Day 74: Confession

Day 73: Recollection

The Lenten Recollection of the group Karilagan Singers was held at the Angelicum University last Sunday.  I am most grateful to Prior Le Bot and Brother Glenn Morris for allowing us to use the place, and Fr William OFM Cap for the spiritual lecture and helping in hearing confession. Finally, to all the members of the group. Rendiamo grazie a Dio!

Day 72: Ano ba talaga Bro?

(Jn 2. 13-25 Ikatlong linggo sa panahon ng Kwaresma)

Sa isang pakikipag-talamitam, mahalaga na dapat tandaan na kailangan ang bawat katagang ating sinasambit ay malinaw sa pandinig ng mga nakakarinig o maging sa nagsasalita. Ibig kong sabihin, dapat na ang kahulugan ng mga kataga ay batid at naiintindihan ng mga nakikipag-talamitan. Sapagkat ang kahulugan ng mga salita ang siyang nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa dalawang panig upang magkasundo o mag-away.

May mga salita tayong kung tawagin ay may dalawang kahulugan o “double meaning,” tulad halimbawa ng katagang “malamig” o “mahangin” na maaaring tumukoy sa klase ng panahon o sa damdamin o ugali ng isang tao. May mga kataga rin na sa kalaunan ng panahon ay nagkaroon na ng ibang kahulugan, tulad halimbawa ng salitang “silahis” na ang tutoong kahulugan ay sinag ng araw subalit ngayon ay tumutukoy sa “dalawang kasarinlan” ng isang tao. May mga kataga rin na sa pagkakasulat ay pareho subalit sa diin o tuldik ay may magkaibang kahulugan, tulad ng “aso” na tumutukoy sa isang hayop at “asò” na tumutukoy sa usok ng apoy.

May mga salita din na dahil sa pagiging kilala ay naging kinatawan ng lahat nitong kauri. Halimbawa, kapag sinabi nating “colgate,” ito ay tumutukoy sa panlinis ng ngipin. Subalit para sa karamihan, maging ibang tatak man ang gamit nilang panlinis ng ngipin (happy, crest, aquafresh etc.), ang tawag nila dito ay “colgate.” Sa napakaraming ‘kalabuan’ ng mga salita, hindi nakakapagtaka na maraming kagalitan at hindi pagkakasundo ang bumabalot sa samahan ng dalawa o pulutong ng tao.

c/o media.photbucket.com

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayong linggo, nabasa natin na si Hesus ay nagpahayag tungkol sa kanyang sasapitin na paghihirap, kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay sa mga taong umuusig sa kanya sa ginawa niyang pagpapa-alis sa mga “mangangalakal” sa templo at sa kung ano ang karapatan ni Hesus na gawin ito. Sa paghingi nila ng palatandaan kay Hesus, sinabi niya na, “Igiba ninyo ang templong ito, at aking itatayo sa tatlong araw.”

Ito ang malinaw na halimbawa ng mga tinuran ko sa umpisa tungkol sa ‘malawak’ o ‘kalabuan’ ng kahulugan ng mga salita. Para sa mga nagtanong kay Hesus ang pagkakaunawa nila sa kanyang tinuran na salitang “templo” ay ang ‘orihinal’ at ‘literal’ na kahulugan ng isang ‘gusali’, kaya’t hindi nakakapagtaka ang pagsambit nila ng “Apat na pu't anim na taon ang pagtatayo ng templong ito, at itatayo mo lang sa tatlong araw?”

Suriin pa natin ang mga katagang ating nabasa. Sa tinuran na salita ni Hesus, mukhang nasa katuwiran ang pagtatanong ng mga tao dahil ang pinag-uusapan ay ang templo na ‘inangkin’ ni Hesus na ‘tahanan ng aking Ama.’ Nangangahulugan sa kanilang pag-uusig kay Hesus na sila din ay may karapatan sa templo na ito kung ang Ama na pinag-uusapan ay ang Diyos. Subalit sa paghingi nila ng palatandaan kay Hesus, nais nila siyang tuyain sa pangangahas ni Hesus na angkinin ang templo dahil ito ay templo ng ‘kanyang’ Ama. Ngunit ang sagot ni Hesus, na ayon kay San Juan ay tumutukoy sa “templo ng kanyang katawan,” ay nanatiling tapat sa kanyang pagsasabi ng “tahanan ng aking Ama.”

Samakatuwid, silang mga nagtanong ay walang-wala sa katwiran dahil sa mga sumusunod na kadahilanan:

1.    Kung ang palagay o paniniwala man nila na ang templo ay ‘pagmamay-ari’ ng Ama (Diyos) na tinutukoy ni Hesus, ay ang kanila ring kinikilalang Ama (Diyos), bakit ginawa nila itong ‘pugad’ ng ‘pangangalakal?’ Dahil malapit na ang kapistahan ng Paskwa na ipinagdiriwang sa pamamaraan ng paghahandog ayon sa batas ni Moyses, ang mga mangangalakal na nabanggit ang siyang nagbebenta ng mga ‘handog’ o ‘alay’ sa mga tao para sa ‘sakripisyo’ sa templo. Hindi nagalit si Hesus sa kanilang hanap-buhay, nagalit ang Panginoon sa pamamaraan ng kanilang paghahanap-buhay na kinapapalooban ng ‘panlalamang’, ‘panloloko’ at ‘pagsasamantala.’ Kung sa paniniwala ng mga mangangalakal na sila din ay may karapatan sa templo,dahil ito rin ay tahanan ng kanilang Ama, bakit taliwas ang kanilang ginagawa sa tutuong hangarin ng Ama para sa tao?

2.    Ang lahat ng Hudyo sa maraming lugar ay nagpupunta sa Herusalem upang ipagdiwang ang “Passover” at dahil mula sila sa iba’t-ibang dako ng lupain kinakailangan na mayroong lugar sa pagpapalit ng kanilag salapi. Kaya kasama sa pinalayas ni Hesus ay ang mga namamahala ng “money exchange.” Subalit ang binigyang diin ng galit ni Hesus ay ang mga nagtitinda ng kalapati, “Alisin ninyo rito ang mga iyan! Huwag ninyong gawing palengke ang bahay ng aking Ama!” na ang bumibili dito para iaalay ay ang mga mahihirap na tao – sa kadahilanan na iyon lamang ang kanilang makakayanang bilhin at ihandog na alay. Subalit kahit ang mga mahihirap ay sinasamantala ng mga mangangalakal.

3.    Mababatid natin ayon sa kanilang tinurang panunuya na ang mga taong ito ay walang ‘sintido kumon’ dahil hindi sila nag-iisip bago magsalita. Kabaligtaran ito ng tao na ang uri ng pagtatanong ay ukol sa paglilinaw at pagtanggap ng paliwanag. Kung sana’y inumpisahan nila ang pagtatanong ng “Ano ang ibig mong sabihin sa iyong tinuran?” at hindi sa paraan ng pangungutya at panghuhusga, disin sana’y sinagot sila ni Hesus at nalaman nila na ang kasagutan ay patungkol sa kanilang kaligtasan. Subalit sa paraan ng kanilang pagtatanong makikita natin ang kababawan hindi lamang ng kanilang buhay at pag-iisip, higit lalo ng kanilang pananampalataya; sa paraan ng kanilang pagtatanong malalaman natin na wala silang pinaniniwalaan kundi ang kanilang sariling kakayahan at kaalaman. Kaya naman kahit marami ang naniwala kay Hesus dahil sa nakita nilang mga palatandaan, hindi niya ipinagkatiwala ang kanyang sarili sa kanila, dahil sila ay mga taong ‘walang laman.’

May mga usapan o salita na maliwanag at tama ang pagkakasabi at layunin subalit tinatanggap at sinasagot ang mga ito sa baluktot na katwiran. Kadalasan ang mga ito ay balot ng kasamaan at kasalanan. Ang ginawang ‘paglilinis’ ni Hesus ng templo ay ang paanyaya sa bawat isa sa atin na linisin ang ‘pangangalakal’ ng ating mga sarili; ang ating mga puso at isipan; ang ating katawan na siyang ‘templo’ ng Diyos.   

Day 71: "I" Lesson

Day 70: "I" Lesson

Day 69: "I" Lesson

Day 68: "I" Lesson

Day 67: "I" Lesson

Day 66: "I" Lesson

Day 65: Transfiguration

(Second Sunday of Lent - Mk 9. 2-13)

1.     The Gospel of Mark clearly identifies itself a ‘gospel,’ “the beginning of the gospel = good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God”. The evangelist further underlines the Gospel is principally concerned with Jesus’ public ministry, the impact he had on others, and his fate in Jerusalem. The Good News includes the “healing miracles,” “conversion and change of heart,” and it also includes Jesus’ “death by crucifixion.”

2.      The good news is all true to an individual person, to a group of people, and to the larger community – the world. Mark’s opening words echo and which strongly deny the Roman doctrine of the ‘divine emperor,’ and instead stresses Jesus Christ as the “beginning” of the Good News for the world and the (Divine) true Son of God.

3.      Mark pointed out the basis of Jesus as the Son of God in many events in the Gospel which speak of Jesus’ divine identity and specific mission:

1)      Jesus’ Baptism – It is God who spoke, a heavenly voice confirms, “You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.”

2)      Jesus’ healing of a man with an unclean spirit – even the unclean spirit is aware of Jesus special identity and of his power, “I know who you are, the holy one of God.” This is viewed both as a challenge, acknowledgment and surrender.

3)      Peter’s Confession – “You are the Messiah.”  The word means ‘anointed’ which in the OT refer frequently to ‘anointed’ kings, prophets and priests. Peter must have recognized that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel. However, when Jesus spoke “the Son of Man must suffer many things…and be killed,” Peter immediately rebuked Him, only to be rebuked in turn.

4)      The Transfiguration – once again, a voice from the cloud spoke and interrupted Peter, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” Another affirmation of the heavenly voice in Jesus’ baptism, and a command which may partially intended as a rebuke, ‘to listen to Jesus’ words,’ for Jesus’ message is now placed in a new light.

4.      The Episodes of the Transfiguration (typological connection to Exodus 24, 33-34)

1)      The six days

c/o www.trc.catholicweb.com

a.       “the glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai...” (Ex 24.16) What happens after six days is an encounter with the Lord, speaking to us, and the sealing of the covenant. Six days lead us to the Sabbath – the seventh day made HOLY and the first thing in the Scripture to be called holy and set apart for God and therefore sharing in his perfect life. (Gen 2.2) It is not merely an attachment to the week of creation but it is the very GOAL of creation – the justification of Sabbath observance as well as a celebration of the power and wisdom of the Creator.

b.      In Mark 9.2, “and after six days…and he was transfigured before them.”  Jesus was transfigured.

2.      The clouds that covers the mountain

a.       “and the cloud covered it for six days…” (Ex 2.2) where they sense the presence of God. 

b.      God’s presence is confirmed by the theophanic cloud, “and a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud,…” (Mk 9.7)  Here we find people not dying because they have ‘seen’ God (as traditionally believed) but because they failed to conform to God’s rule in approaching Him.

3.      God’s voice from the clouds  

a.       “and on the seventh day he called Moses out of the midst of the cloud.” (Ex 24.16). The divine speech gives us the précis of the covenant of the LORD with his people – “I am your God, you are my people.”

b.      The voice from the clouds breaks the silence and underlines the voice of authority. Peter was here interrupted, rebuked and commanded, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.” (Mk 2.8)  

4.      Three companions

a.       “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel...” (Ex 24.1) Moses was accompanied by Aaron, the head-to-be of the family of priests, the first of its high priests (Ex 4.14; 28-29; 39), accompanied by his two older sons (who later in Lev 10.1 be removed for malpractice). The Levites, appointed not until the departure from Mt Sinai, are bearers of the ark of covenant and ‘executors’ of the covenant sacrifice.

b.      “…Jesus took with him Peter and James and John…” (Mk 9.2) The three ‘leading’ figures among the apostles interestingly were rebuked by Christ from their pretensions and ambitions. (Mk 8.27-33; 10.32-34). This leads us to the understanding of the key roles (they will fulfill) of them who ‘follows’ the LORD – 1) the foundations of the Church of believers 2) the ‘priests’ of men to God.

5.      Transformed appearance

a.      “Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone…” (Ex 34.30) In Dn 7.9, Daniel envisioned ‘the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool.’ Moses’ shining face bears the presence of God’s glory.

b.      “…and His clothes become radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.” (Mk 9.3) Jesus’ transfiguration indicates the ‘visual’ affirmation of Jesus’ glory as Son of Man. This also echoes the words of John in Revelation, “The hairs of his head were white as wool, as white as snow…and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” (Rev 1.14-16) The symbolism gives us the impression that Jesus’ appearance is that of the divine.

6.      The reaction of fear

a.       “…and they were afraid to come near him.” (Ex 34.30) Moses bears the presence of God as his face shone and this halted them to approach him. Fear is related to a high regard for divine, a profound respect and devotion to God with the implication of awe, “…to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God…and to keep the commandments and statues of the Lord…” (Dt 10.12-13)

b.      “For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.” (Mk 9.6) The term connotes great emotional distress as in Mk 5.33, “But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling…” or in Rev 1.17, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” This reaction is more of fear than worship. (also cf Dn 10.7-9)

5.      Reflection on the Transfiguration

The season of forty days is the event of the Transfiguration. It highlights the ‘covenant’ God made to his people, established in the ‘creation’ of the Sabbath – relationship between the Creator God and man. Then the promise of salvation after the Fall of humanity – expressed in the universal covenant with Noah, among all his creatures. The God of Scriptures continuously desires to reveal himself to his people through the events of long history of struggle, slavery and persecution – ‘I am your God, you are my people.’ God in the Old Testament personally speaks to his people through his ‘chosen representatives’ to communicate that earnest desire of that eternal covenant. In the New Testament, God took the form of humanity – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn1.14)”, physically present and felt, as a sign of the fulfillment of the promised salvation. In view of this, the hope of a suffering people and people thirsting for justice and freedom is now fulfilled, in the person of Jesus, the Christ.

Bernhard W. Anderson explains, “Paul’s interpretation of the new relationship between God and his people, shown by the display of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, sent him back beyond the Mosaic covenant of obligation to the Abrahamic promissory covenant. And the promissory Davidic covenant in the prophecy of Isaiah, provided a theological context for the announcement that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” However, although we see the realization of the promise (God’s salvation) in Jesus, the process of attaining it entails suffering, his death by crucifixion. This event took a great twist on the concept of God’s covenant.

Mark presents to us the three instances of Jesus foretelling his Death and Resurrection: 8.31-32; 9.31; 10.33-34. In these three instances we may echo the same sentiments as the disciples' for who would want the ‘great hope’ almost grasp by the hand to be destroyed by a gruesome events of suffering and death? The Israelites must have enough experience of such that they are convinced that salvation will entail an exceptional realization, since the promise is a Divine promise. In the daily events of our lives we are also tempted to believe that salvation excludes the idea of countless sufferings and deaths.

The Transfiguration of Jesus brings us to the understanding of three great truths on the Salvific promise (and action) of God:

1.      The Promise of God is fulfilled in Jesus, the Christ, affirmed by the voice from the clouds,  “This is my beloved Son, listen to him” (Mk 9.7) and Mk 1.11, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well  pleased.” These passages clearly sets Jesus apart from all people for in Him is the title of the ‘mighty one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

2.      The Hope of the people of the Covenant experienced and witnessed by the events which had taken at the transfiguration. As I mentioned earlier, one of the highlights of Mark’s Gospel is on Jesus’ ministry. The many accounts of healing miracles, newness of teaching, great ‘theological’ discourses and parables present to us that in Jesus is the same active desire of the LORD in the Old Testament, “moved with pity…for they are like sheep without a shepherd,” who longs to gather his people.

3.      The Christian Faith in the Resurrection. This ‘act of faith’ enables us not to be terrified by it and tremble with fear but strengthens us to profess that our hope in the Resurrection will not be in vain. The promiscuous tempest of ‘Satan,’ strongly rebuked by Jesus himself, though hinders and slows the realization of that great hope in us, will never be victorious because Christ has conquered and destroyed the power of sin and death. 

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Finally, as we enter the second Sunday in the season of Lent, let us encourage one another to see the shining Glory of God in the Transfiguration of Jesus and to reflect on this event our life and faith in the light of the mercy and compassion of God, whose promises will be fulfilled for He is forever faithful, and whose love endures forever. Amen. 

Day 64: Yahoooo!

"Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing!"
Power and Majesty; Praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your Name;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands
Forever i'll love you, forever i'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You."

Day 63: TGIF

I know my mentioning of TGIF is already overrated but I can’t help to say, think or write about it for two reasons:

1. Like most of the working people, a student like me also labor for the whole week and always looking forward to Friday after school. I believe age has a contributing factor to feel very exhausted even having a regular and healthy daily routine.

2. It’s the end of a ‘boxed’ week. I am freer and more comfortable working, thinking, tidying and writing a report, reflection and homilies the following day. I also get one extra hour of study period before Lauds and I also owned (or shared with one or two bros) the Bibliotheca for the whole day, enjoying and ‘sipping’ to my heart’s content valuable information. 

Day 62: Dependence

What makes people give up their dream? What hinders them to not realize their potentialities? What urges them to back out and be content to live a mediocre kind of life? We thought that just because these people have enormous talent and capabilities that they are always confident to accept the task they're asked to do or positions they were elected or appointed to. But that’s not always the case. Even with their exceptional abilities they feel they are not worthy to do the job; that it is not the right time; that those who favored them made a terrible mistake.

photo by Adriano Crisostomo, Jr

Sympathizers call it fear of the unknown or a task too great. Critics call it cowardice, an escape goat or selfishness, a bunch of losers. Both sides maybe perfectly stating the correct conclusion but the real determining factor is whether these talented and chosen ones have their dependence on a superior being, who is God, or on other being other than him/herself. Them who trust God know that dependence is a sign of being strong and utmost sincerity, which makes them winners and great human beings.