Heroes

29 January 2007: Monday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 11, 32-40 Heroes

For many of us who have seen many glorious years but still wish to inspire the young to be heroic might find the first reading from the letter to the Hebrews inspiring. The writer to the Hebrews lets his mind remember many heroes from Scripture.

The story of Gideon is in Judges 6 & 7. With only 300 men, Gideon won victory from the Ammonites who terrorized Israel for many years. The story of Barak is in Judges 4 & 5. Under the inspiration of the prophetess Deborah, Barak assembled 10,000 young men and faced the Canaanites who had 900 chariots of iron --- and won. The story of Samson is in Judges 13 to 16. Samson fought alone. He fought amazing odds, but was victorious over the Philistines. David was a young shepherd who became king after so many odds against Saul. Samuel was the courageous prophet in the midst of a rebellious people. Amongst all the stories of these heroes, a common thread is visible. They all faced tremendous difficulties, but courageously accepted the risks and tasks given by God to them despite their youth, their small in numbers and their weaknesses. They were never afraid to stand alone to face immense odds for the sake of their loyalty to God.

If the writer of the letter to the Hebrews would have seen our days, perhaps he would be very happy that the list of heroes he gave grew. Our Christian history is not depleted by heroes, saints and martyrs who faced immense odds for the sake of God. And in UP, there are still people who have stories such as these; and many of them unnamed, lived heroic lives. Many of you speak of the miracle in the building of this very church --- stories of brave students who have given up a meal, a snack, a coke, a debut, a party and donated their money for this church.

The list of heroic men and women are witnesses to the immense power of God. God can turn our weakness and limitations into victory. We may be as young as Timothy and Jeremiah; or as old as Abraham; or has succumbed to sin and digressed like Samson, but continues to overturn our weakness and transform it to victory. We might be overpowered by numbers, but heroes like Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Samuel, our saints and martyrs, our national heroes, our present Bayaning Pilipino, and the many students of UP tell us not to be discouraged.

I guess this is what history is all about, this is how history should be taught: that the stories from the past should inspire the younger generation with a new courage and a sense of responsibility by remembering the stories of old. Now I do not wonder why my parents incessantly talk about their love story at table, or about the stories of our grandparents and our families. These stories contributed to our memory. It is in these treasured stories that we began to appreciate our lineage, gain self-knowledge, and thus to inspire us to live according to the values held dear by the family. But more importantly, these stories that make up our memory as a family, as a people, as members in the Christian faith become our identity.

When we lose heart, when we are frustrated, when we are disappointed, when we are hopeless or helpless by our situation, the first reading then tells all of us that we should not be discouraged. We should take heart. Because what God did in the past, He can still do the same thing for us today and in the future.

Evaluating the Quality of our Love

27 January 2007. 14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Cor 12, 31-13,13 Evaluating the Quality of our Love

Many claim that the 2nd reading from the Letter of Paul to the Corinthians is the most wonderful chapter in the New Testament. It is used very often in weddings and quoted in love notes. It will take a lifetime, however, to fully excavate its meaning. Paul tells us that a person may possess many gifts, but if it is without love, then that gift is useless. For example, one may have the gift of tongues, but does not have love, it is worthless. The gift of tongues is a characteristic of pagan worship of the gods Dionysius and Cybele. It is accompanied by the clanging of cymbals and the sound of trumpets. The gift of tongues was for the Romans a most coveted gift. But Paul tells the Corinthians that even with the most desirable gift, if they do not love, they are worthless. We can interpret it this way: a person may be a good-talker or a cultured conversationalist or even an intellectual, but if he or she does not love, his or her words are empty. Walang laman, walang kagat. Moreover, a person may practice charity, but without love, it is useless. A person may give dole-out goods, as a duty, sometimes with some contempt, like throwing out leftovers to a stray dog, is not genuine charity. It is arrogance, not love. In the end, what makes our talents meaningful are what make them enduring.

Paul lists fifteen characteristics of Christian love. We shall choose a few, but I would not repeat those that I have discussed sometime last year. First, love “does not brood over injury.” In other words, love does not store up the memory of any wrong it has received. The word translated store up (logizeshthai) is an accountant’s word. It is the word used for entering an item in a ledger (to log in) so that it will not be forgotten. That is what many of us do. In Polynesia, the natives are used to fighting and feasting. And it is also customary to keep reminders of one’s anger and wrongdoing. Articles such as a skull are suspended from the roofs of their huts to keep alive the memory of their wrongs --- real or imaginary.” In the same way, nagtatanim tayo ng sama ng loob: we nurse our wrath to keep it warm; we brood over wrongs until it is impossible to forget the. Christian love has learned the great lesson of forgetting. Second, love rejoices with the truth. There are times when we definitely do not want the truth to prevail; and still more times when it is the last thing we wish to hear. Even if the truth is painful. Finally, love never flies into a temper. The real meaning of this passage is that we are never exasperated with people and with circumstances. We are people of hope and therefore, we always hope in people. If we forgive a person who has hurt us, we actually mean that we hope in him or her. Forgiveness is giving another chance for someone whom we believe can also change. If we can master our tempers, then we can control anything.

When we stayed glued to the television series such as Pangako sa ‘Yo, Bakekang, and Sana'y Maulit Muli, we believe in what Paul says, “Love can endure anything.” Love can bear any insult, any injury, any disappointment, any pain, any suffering, and any trial. At the end of the day, what matters is that we love.

And so today, we first name those we love. Who are they? Identify them. And then, look at the quality of our love by evaluating it according to the characteristics given by St. Paul. Do we brood over injury. Nagtatanim ba tayo ng sama ng loob sa ating minamahal? Second, do we hide certain things from our loved ones? Have we told them the whole truth about ourselves? Third, do we hope in them? Only when we continually evaluate the quality of our love, that it is purified, and it endures anything. As Christians, we always believe that today --- and every day for that matter --- is the best time to put some heart into our relationships.

*I took this photograph at Mia and Vir's Wedding. Both UPSCANs.

Timothy and Titus

26 January 2007. Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus
2 Timothy 1, 1-8, Psalm 96, Luke 10, 1-9: The Way to Encourage

Paul sent this letter to Timothy, whom he always spoke with affection. Timothy was from Lystra, Galatia, a colony of Rome. There was a Roman garrison in Lystra who controlled the Isaurian mountain tribes. Paul and Barnabas came to Lystra in their first missionary journey (Acts 14, 8-21). Paul and Barnabas lodged at Timothy’s home, because of the faith of Eunice, Timothy’s mother, and Lois, his grandmother (2 Timothy 1, 5). Timothy was a child of mixed marriage. His mother was a Jewess and his father, Greek. Timothy was young, and on Paul’s second journey (Acts 16, 1-3), Paul took Timothy with him. Timothy was significant in the Christian church of Lystra. His youth lent charm, enthusiasm and energy in the community.

From Paul’s second journey, Timothy became his constant companion. He was sent to Macedonia as Paul’s emissary. He was present when the collection from the churches was sent to Jerusalem. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans in Corinth, Timothy was with him. When there was trouble in Corinth, Paul sent him there. To know how the Thessalonian church was doing, Paul sent Timothy to them. Timothy was with Paul when he was writing to the Corinthian, Colosssian, and Roman churches. When Paul sent him to the Corinthian Church, he writes, “I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4, 17). When Paul called Timothy “his true son” he used gnēsios, a Greek word with two meanings for son: legitimate and genuine. For Paul, he was the person to trust and to be sent anywhere. He was the person, though not related by blood, knew his heart and mind, and thus he would be a perfect representative to communities when he cannot go. ‘

The same way for Titus. Titus was also very dear to Paul who also called him “his son.” Both Timothy and Titus were sent by Paul to places that needs leadership. Titus was with Paul in Jerusalem when the Church in Jerusalem mistrusted Paul. Titus was also in Corinth when there was trouble there.

The first reading is taken from Paul’s letter to Timothy. And in the reading we see how Paul encouraged Timothy who was young but was sent to Ephesus to battle against heresies that threatened the Church.

First, Paul reminds Timothy of his own confidence in him. There is no inspiration as great as knowing that someone believes in you and in what you can do. Second, Paul tells him of his family. That what he does will make his family proud of him and give them honor. We, Filipinos, know exactly what this means. Third, Paul tells Timothy of the grace of office. If you are given a responsibility by the Lord, it means you can do it excellently because the Lord gives the grace that you will need to carry out your job.

And finally, a tip in leadership. He tells Timothy that a Christian leader should be courageous, and not to fear any challenges that comes his way because God is with him. He tells Timothy that he has a power coming from the Holy Spirit and not from himself alone. This power will give him strength. And finally reminds him of the primacy of love. Above all, a leader must have a heart. He is able to understand the people he governs, and has genuine concern for their welfare. Any decision he makes must come from his love for them --- even if it means that by his decision, he might hurt others in the process. Parents, for example, have to discipline their children. It may be hurting to them, but it is necessary for their welfare.

All Christians are given some form of leadership and responsibility at any point in their lives --- some, almost at all times. Whether young or old leader, we can learn how to lead people by following Paul’s way of boosting the morale of his constituents.

*Stephen, one of UPSCA's newly inducted members, and hopefully one of the emerging youth leaders. Timothy was a youth leader during his time.

Better than Burnt Offerings

23 January 2007: Tuesday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrew 10, 1-10, Psalm 40, Mark 3, 31-35 Obedience

The Gospel today tells us that what determines our kinship with Jesus is our obedience to the will of God. Our brotherhood and sisterhood are shown when we all commonly hear the voice of the Lord and follow it.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews says the same thing when he tells us about sacrifice. Religion for him must bring a person closer to God. And Jesus, with his ultimate sacrifice of himself, has given us direct access to the Lord. Let us understand Hebrew worship.

First, the temple of Jerusalem is divided into different courts. The outer court is the Court of the Gentiles; then the Court of the Women; the Court of the Israelites, then the Court of the Priests. And in the innermost sanctuary that symbolizes the presence of God is the Holy of Holies that contains the Ark of the Covenant. Each court resembles a barrier to the innermost court: until only the high priest enters the inner sanctuary. For the writer of the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus, the High Priest, entered the innermost court with us, thus removing barriers that prevents one to be in the Presence of God.

Second, another barrier that prevents us from being totally in the presence of God is our sinfulness. Thus, Jews offer sacrifices at the Tabernacle especially in the Day of Atonement every year. The sacrifices are supposed to purify people from their sins, and thus make them worthy to enter the holy presence. For the writer of the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus, the High Priest, has made Himself the ultimate sacrifice, more powerful than all the animal sacrifices in the Temple. And the writer quotes Psalm 40: “Sacrifice and burnt offering thou doest not desire...I delight to do Thy will, O my God; thy law is within my heart.” The psalmist tells us that rather offer a formal sacrifice of thanksgiving, he pledges himself to do God’s will.

If we therefore put the whole of our reflection together, we can say that what would provide direct access to God is our obedience to His will. A sacrifice is something that we have, but we are willing to give out of love for someone else. Thus the ultimate sacrifice is when we offer our lives to our friends. Concretely, it does not mean that we can kill ourselves physically; obedience means even the death of our own will. Jesus said, “Let your will be done”. To obey is to sacrifice our whole lives. Let me end with a story.

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. You see, after all, understanding and attitude are everything.

Devotions in the Catholic Faith

21 January 2007: Feast of the Sto. Niño
Mark 10, 13-16 Devotions in the Catholic Faith

The Sto. Niño has different looks: the best in sportswear (with a baseball cap and jerseys), the best in gown (with a long gold gown and a scepter), the best in national costume (with camisa de chino and red pants), and the best in skin-wear (the nude Sto. Niño sold in Quiapo Church as featured by ABS-CBN). Are we bordering on the ridiculous, the superstitious, or the plain naive?

So I guess today is one appropriate time to talk about devotions. There are varied reactions to devotions to the Sto. Niño and to others as well.. Many have uncomfortable reactions to devotions. Though expressions of popular piety have long been part of being Catholic, many people especially the educated see these devotions as inconsistent with a mature faith, overly reliant on things --- beads, medals, scapulars --- and even superstitious. For some, devotions are to be avoided, and not embraced. Why would you wipe the whole statue of a saint with a handkerchief when the statue is dusty? Why are there people who actually treat a statue like a person; thus the Sto. Niño is treated like a child? We put candies on the altar; and there are stories of people seeing the Sto. Niño play with children.

On the other hand, devotions did not lose their appeal to older Catholics who remember their youth with affection. For example, the older UPSCANs who have stayed in this church since it was built, fondly remember reciting the Rosary with family and fellow students, attending novenas and singing special songs. Or who would forget wearing the Miraculous Medal on October or receiving a scapular from someone? Present surveys are saying that there is now a renewed rise in devotions from the young who are seeking something “tactile, colorful, exotic,” and “a sense of mystery in their lives.” Thus, in the pockets of the young are rosary beads, a cross, and a small picture of a saint in their wallets. When I was a teacher, we told our students in Ateneo schools to have a rosary in their pocket. Our Catholic faith marks Ateneans.

Vatican II says that though devotions played a very important role in the spread of the faith, devotions should be seen as flowing from and leading back to liturgy, the central form of worship in the Church. Vatican II “warmly commends” the practice of devotions, but it warns against devotions taking the place of the mass. We hear this remark, “nagrosary naman ako, di ko na kailangang mag-simba.” Or we see people not participating at mass because they are too busy flipping their novenas or praying the rosary. The Church tells us that devotions are subordinate to the Mass. The Church does not discourage these practices, but tells us that popular piety and the Liturgy are “two forms of worship which are in mutual and fruitful relationship with each other.” Thus these devotions can move us into prayer and contemplation, comfort us in times of suffering or confusion, encourage us to care for others, bring us to appreciate Scripture more fully, and with the saints, give us good examples of living Christian lives. The most important thing is that devotions lead us to become closer to the very center of our faith: Jesus Christ.

Therefore, the feast of the Sto. Nino is an anniversary and a commemoration of an event. We celebrate the coming of our faith in the Philippines in the 16^th century. When it came with the first Spaniards, that faith was still young --- like a child. Genuine regard to the Sto. Niño today should be thud be seen in the light of growth and maturation. Jesus did not remain a child; the Gospel tells us that He has grown in “wisdom, age and favor of God.”

So ask this questions: Does your devotion to the Sto. Niño and to any particular saint help you mature in wisdom, age and favor in the eyes of God and fellow persons? Does it help you know Jesus more closely? Does it make you holier? Does it make you a better person? Does it enrich and increase your appreciation of the liturgy? Has the Christian faith in the Philippines mature since it was first planted? If not, perhaps, you can look at your statue of the Sto. Niño and your collection of costumes, and re-think: Maybe you do not need Jesus. Maybe you actually need a doll.

When Families Oppose God's Call

20 January 2007: Saturday of the 2^nd Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 3, 20-21: When Families Oppose God’s Call

Jesus once remarked that if anyone follows him, the person’s greatest enemy becomes one’s family and relatives. In Matthew 10, 35-36, Jesus remarked, “For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s foes will be those of his own household.” I guess this remark was not made without an experience. The Gospel passage today from Mark tells us that Jesus actually experienced this. His family thought that He was crazy when He decided to embark on his ministry; and that they thought that they have to restrain and stop Him. Let us see why.

First, Jesus left home and his carpentry business in Nazareth. Remember, Jesus was around 30 years old when He embarked on His public ministry. Joseph had since died, and Jesus took over the family business. Jesus was a tektōn, a skilled carpenter, a craftsman who can build a simple table to a ship. Homer said that tektōns make huge buildings and temples. Thus, carpentry was a flourishing business. To His family, he was crazy: he left a money-making career, and became a wandering preacher who had no place to lay His head on.

Second, Jesus’ career went into direct collision with the powers of society. No one would have thought to challenge the religious and political leaders of his time: the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Scribes. To His family, he was indeed crazy. Not only will it bring dishonor to them; but He would become a great shame. For example, who among us would like to be in direct opposition to the present power-holders such as government officials who can kill you and members of your family? You just don’t endanger your life, but also the life of your family.

Third, Jesus started to organize a weird group of disciples. They were fishermen, a tax-collector who is in great animosity with a nationalist. Peter, James and John were fishermen. Matthew was the tax collector who is pro-government, and Simon was a Zealot, a rebel, an ancient NPA. During the time of Jesus, disciples of rabbis did not include men such as them; they included educated men who were people they want to be with that could add to their credibility or worth. They were not particularly the friends ambitious men would like to have.

Jesus therefore abandoned security, safety and risked a lot to follow His Father’s will.

The experience of Jesus is not alien to many. To those who have entered religious life or even those who dared considered it had one or many members of his or her family opposing their decision. To those who have decided to volunteer for church ministry such as being choir members had their family as hindrances to such services. Nagsasayang lang daw sila ng oras. Family members think that to be of service to God is a crazy idea.

And so today we reflect. Have I, at one point in my life, been a hindrance to others’ serving the Lord? Have I dictated to others my will and not God’s? For example, as parents, did you dictate and insist on what you want them to be, not what they actually want for themselves, especially in choosing their life’s career and vocation? Even by action, did you give them a bad example? For instance, by not being participative at mass --- whether one refuses to respond or sing --- did you provide your children the perfect example of un-involvement at worship? If Jesus --- and many of our saints and heroes --- did not take this great risk, do you think we would have been saved? By thinking that serving God and country is crazy, you have just contributed to the fall of humankind.

Our Common Priesthood

18 January 2007: Thursday in the 2^nd Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 7, 25- 8,6: The Priesthood according to the Melchizedek

We continue our reflection about our common priesthood from the first reading to the Hebrews from yesterday.

In the first reading, the writer of the Hebrews described what the priesthood according to Melchizedek means: it is a priesthood that is forever --- without beginning or end; a priesthood founded on personal greatness, not on any legal appointment or genealogy (as opposed to the Levites who traced their priesthood to Aaron). You see, the priesthood of the Jews is based on genealogy: you have to trace your lineage to Aaron.

But the writer of the letter to the Hebrews asserts that the priesthood of Jesus is from the line of Melchizedek. Melchizedek as the reading yesterday (Hebrews 7, 1-3) says has no “father, mother or ancestry.” Thus his priesthood is not according to genealogy. And that he has “no beginning nor end”; thus forever. So Jesus is legitimately high priest, like Melchizedek, but not according to the Levitical priesthood. And Jesus’ high priesthood is forever.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews is largely unknown (once it was attributed to Paul), sees religion as access to God; thus the supreme priest opens the way to God; he builds a bridge so that people can go to God’s presence. Alfred Tennyson of the famous, Charge of the Light Brigade (1855) said that God fulfills Himself in many ways; and George William Russell (aka AE) said that there are as numerous ways to the stars as people who climbs to it. And thus, priests presents different ways to go to God.

During the time of the writer of the Hebrews, the Greek understanding of the universe was simple: there were two worlds, the real and the unreal. Our world, the material world was just a pale copy of the real world. Ideas belong to the real world: the idea of the perfect table exists, and all other material tables are imperfect copies of it. Thus, the priest for them brings people to reality. It is not surprising when people ask me when they are hurting after a break-up, “Is love really real?” Priests points to what real love is to people who are groping in the dark. The same way with the ideals of peace and happiness. When temporary peace is achieved, we pattern it according to the perfect peace in heaven.

How do we become priests? The first reading tells us: as mediator, as the mesitēs. Mesitēs comes from mesos, which means middle. He is one who stands in the middle between two people and brings them together. He reconciles them. In Athens, there were a group of 60ish men who were called to act as mediators when there was a dispute between two people. Their role is to reconcile them. In Rome, there was the arbitri: the judge settled point of the law; the arbitri settled matters of equity, bringing disputes to an end. In Greek, the mesitēs also was a sponsor, who posts bail for a friend who was on trial, guarantees that a debt will be paid. He is a man who stands between and brings together two parties in reconciliation.

So, what does this mean for us who shares a common priesthood? Our role therefore as priests is to become mesitēs: to bring people together and bring them to God. We clarify our understanding of mediator. We used to understand it as the middle person: I-tell-him, he-tells-her. Now, to be mediator, is to open the doors for both of them to talk. In addition, our common priesthood is practiced when we decide whether a law helps people become closer to God or bars the doors for others to come closer to God. Do you make it difficult for people to come to God because of your many shoulds and don’ts? Do you put more importance to rules and steps, than that of charity and reconciliation?

And furthermore, we practice our common priesthood at mass. The mass is not just the presider’s show (like Fr. Jboy’s show), and all of you who attends it are spectators. The Church today encourages people to actively participate at mass: singing together, responding together, etc. Because now, we know that when you sing at mass, respond together like talking to each other, then you and I practice our common priesthood genuinely.

The Order of Melchizedek

17 January 2007: Wednesday of the 2^nd Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 7, 1-3, 15-17: The Order of Melchizedek

When we were baptized, we were given three roles or responsibilities: the roles of priest, prophet and king. The prophet preaches the faith; the king serves his people; and the priest builds bridges to God – pontifex means bridge-builder. Today, we shall understand our common priesthood, the priesthood that all baptized share. We shall all take our reflections from the first reading: the letter to the Hebrews.

The letter to the Hebrews mentions a high priest, Melchizedek whose kingdom is Salem. The name Melchizedek means in Hebrew “King of Righteousness” and the word, Salem, means peace: thus Melchizedek was also the King of Peace. He appeared in scripture from nowhere, no background is given. All that is said about him, especially in the Tanakh, is that he brought bread and wine to Abram (he was not yet renamed Abraham) after Abram had victory over certain kings. And in return, Abram granted him tithes from the spoils of war. It is believed that Salem was ancient Jerusalem.

The order of righteousness and peace is significant and no accident in scripture. Paul writes to the Romans (5,1): “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God.” and Romans 14,17: “The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy.” The order is always the same: righteousness then peace.

It is said that the ultimate goal in life is peace; and that we have looked for peace in wrong places. We tried to find peace as we retreat from the world through movies, parties, and some through alcohol and drugs. But we all know that the joys found in these things are never lasting. Though to indulge in some recreation is necessary for our well-being, the truth remains: it is a temporary relief, but never a permanent cure.

We may have evaded our problems and denied certain painful truth about ourselves, but we know that by evading them, they become worse. Moreover, many Filipinos compromise our values and principles just to live peacefully with others.

But the way to righteousness is the way of doing God’s will. The way may be painful and entails challenges, but when there is acceptance of the inevitability of being hurt, peace is achieved. Just look at couples who begin raising their families: they suffer for the sake of their children, but they know that they are doing what they should, as following God’s will. Jesus, for example, asked to be spared from the cross, but as His Father refused his prayers, He faced the cross with courage and with peace.

*Melchizedek at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

The Wedding at Cana

14 January 2007: 2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
John 2, 1-11 The Wedding at Cana

Let us first note where the first miracle happened. Cana in Galilee was probably a village near Nazareth. Today, it is attributed to a place called Kafar Kanna in Israel. In Cana, there was a wedding where Mary held an important responsibility, because she had power enough to command the servants. She was probably one of the wedding ‘coordinators’ of present-day weddings. She was worried about the wine that it was running out.

There are many little details given by other sources than the New Testament --- and some of these are not canonically accepted. But we can let our imagination fly. The writings of Coptic Gospels said that Mary was the sister of the bridegroom’s mother; and in early prefaces to the books in the New Testament called Monarchian* prefaces, they said that the bridegroom was John, the evangelist himself, and his mother was Salome, the sister of Mary.

Second, how important are weddings in ancient Israel? Weddings in Jewish customs are milestones. They give their time and effort in celebrating and marking it in their lives. In Jewish law, the wedding of a virgin takes place on a Wednesday, and it lasts for more than a day. The wedding ceremony itself took place after a big feast and late in the evening, as we see illustrated in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. After the ceremony, the young couple was brought to their new home. They take the longest route so that people may wish them well.

Third, how important are wines? For a Jewish feast, wine was essential. The rabbis said, “Without wine, there is no joy.” It did not say that it was permissible to get drunk --- drunkenness was a great disgrace! They actually drank wine mixed with water. But hospitality was a sacred duty for the Jews that for food and wine --- provisions--- to ran out in a wedding was a great embarrassment and humiliation.

And so Mary went to Jesus to ask for a favor. Mary knew her Son, so she asked Him for help. And Jesus responded. It was not his time, but what moved Jesus was compassion for the bridegroom and his bride: to save them from embarrassment in the community.

Our present lives are also marked by milestones: birth and birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, funerals and family gatherings. When we celebrate days that commemorate an important life-changing event, we gather people to celebrate with us, to share our joys. Many of these families and friends take time to invite us and to make those celebrations special. Jesus and his disciples mark these events and thus took time to celebrate this milestone in their friends’ wedding. Their presence is proof of their love.

This is the time therefore to re-affirm the importance of milestones, and check our attitudes and behavior towards celebrations. What are our motivations in attending these events? Do we catch ourselves dragging our feet to these events? Are we there for the meal --- as ‘eat and run’ guests do? Jesus thus affirms that Christians should not forget the virtue of hospitality and friendship; and thus genuine motivation is ideal when we mark days of our lives.

*Monarchianism holds and emphasizes God as being the one and only ruler --- thus is in conflict with the doctrine on the Trinity and the God becoming human as the Gospel of John emphasizes. Monarchian belief is heretical.

Peter's Mother In Law

January 2007. Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 1, 29-35

Yesterday’s Gospel tells us that people were amazed at Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue because he taught with power and authority. After His public appearance, Jesus’ friends brought him to Peter’s house. But upon arrival, Jesus responds to the needs of Peter’s mother-in-law.

The passage might be very simple, but when you meditate on it, and focus your attention to Jesus, you get a glimpse of who He is. Any public performance such as a one-hour variety show, a talk, a class, a seminar, or a mass needs energy. These events are exhausting. But Jesus could have demanded a break and rest, but He didn’t. Let’s see what we learn from Jesus.

First, Jesus still used his power, with or without a crowd. He was just as prepared to heal a large number of sick people as to cure a private person like Peter’s mother-in-law. The need of others took first priority over His desire to rest. How many of us have put our need before other people? Take for example our “take-home” practice during parties. I have witnessed a lot of people stuffing food in plastic or paper containers while the party queue is still on. Nagsisimula pa lang party, nagbabalot na siya. This tenet is good to remember: save the best for the last. Save the best chicken part for the last person.

Second, Jesus used his power in partnership with compassion. The Greek word for power used in the Gospel is exousia: unique knowledge together unique power. In diagnosing a person a doctor listens to his patience with interest, and when he gives the patient the prescription, he judges by understanding his patient’s condition --- done through interested listening and the knowledge he gained from studying. Jesus did not perform his miracles to gain popularity, but to help was his primary motivation. Let us reflect on our motivations: how many of us work when we are recognized: “Masama ang loob ko kasi hindi man lang pinapapansin o pinahahalagahan ang trabaho ko.” or “Ba’t ko gagawin iyan, hindi naman ako officer.”

We also learn something about the disciples of Jesus. They were indeed friends. The disciples have known Jesus for just a short time, but here they already have taken their personal troubles to him. It is intriguing to think of Peter as married, giving his home to his wife’s mother, and probably according to tradition, also was a father to his children. And here we see Peter telling Jesus about his personal life and struggles. The would-be leader of the Church had domestic problems.

Many of us are like Peter: in our service to God and country --- whether in teaching, public office, or even studying --- we are also bombarded by troubles at home. Last month, while presiding at mass and coordinating mall Christmas concerts, I was deeply troubled by my family’s condition in Bicol after the typhoon Reming. Or, many students have to continue preparing for exams while their parents fight. To whom do you talk about your troubles --- honestly and without edit? Do you talk about all your problems with all its gory details openly to Jesus? The Gospel tells us that after Jesus’ work, He goes up to the mountain to pray. It is not difficult to imagine that in this quiet time with His father, Jesus would tell Him everything indeed.

Jesus Begins His Ministry

9 January 2007: Tuesday of the 1^st Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 1, 21-28: The Beginning of Jesus’ Public Ministry

The story of Jesus according to Mark presents some natural steps for someone who embarks on an important career. Jesus is recognized in John’s proclamation that his role was only to prepare the way for someone greater than he. Jesus is then baptized, and then receives the blessing and recognition from God. With the Holy Spirit descending on him, Jesus is now equipped for his ministry. Then his principles are tested by the devil in the desert. From then on, he chooses his disciples to whom he would pass on his message. With all of these in place, Jesus launches his career in the synagogue.

The synagogue is a logical place for a launch. You see, when we launch our CD albums, we go where our market is. Jesus went to the synagogue. First, the synagogue is like a school: the faith is taught there. Jewish law has it that synagogues can be put up wherever there are at least ten Jewish families. A synagogue session consists of a prayer, the reading of Scripture, and then the explanation of the Scripture. Second, since people gather there, it is the perfect place for someone with a religious message.

The people who heard Jesus teach were spellbound. No one teaches with authority and power. And not just that: Jesus supported his teaching with his deeds: What he says, he does. Jesus was an excellent teacher. He profoundly affected those who listen to him and thus built a foundation for values and beliefs, our society and our way of life.

Today, we look at the teaching aspect of being Christians. We preach with our words. But only when our words are products of accumulated lessons taught, learned and lived over a lifetime, the impact of what we say is stronger and influential. Sometimes it is a phrase or a word spoken, deliberately or mindlessly, in a critical moment of vulnerability, that begins an action, adds an encouragement or the beginning of wisdom. It is what we remember and affect us in timeless ways. Someone once said that we can accelerate learning for all students, especially the problematic ones, by building relationships. Using powerful, positive words is a great way to begin a trustworthy relationship. I have a story.

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they say how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him to entire time.

The words we speak are powerful. Just as Jesus’ words affect us, we too are invited to use words that will build up, not tear down, someone so that behaviors are positive. A wise teacher said that if you want to save and inspire students, you don’t have to tear down their house, but merely suggest or show them a better house in which to live. Henri Amiel once said of what teachers are: “The highest function of the teacher consists, not so much in imparting knowledge as in stimulating the pupil in its love and pursuit. To know how to suggest is the art of teaching.” Jesus has given us a better alternative to just living.

It is no wonder why he healed a demon-possessed. Demons in those days are called mazzikin, one who does harm. Teaching allows us to fight against the demons of ignorance and limitations. In order to be a good ‘teacher’, whether as a parent or a friend, we help people discover their greatness and possibilities within themselves. I guess that is what we need today. We are in a world that discourages people than encouraging them. In a highly competitive world, the Christian preaches with powerful words of affirmation and compassion. And thus, we ask this question for reflection today: Do I build up people, or do I destroy them? Give concrete examples when you build up people, and when you destroy them. With words that give importance to people, all of us Christians will help build the Kingdom of God which Jesus first launched in a synagogue.

*xavier university high school 4A 1997, my moderating class. Dondino, Brent, Niku and Kenneth were just four among the all-boys 49-member class. They were 15/16 years old when I taught them Christian Humanism and English. Their class was my inspiration during my two years of Jesuit regency. Their lives aided me to finally pursue priesthood.

No Three Kings!

7 January 2007. Feast of the Epiphany
Matthew 2, 1-12: The Magi

Today, people greet me with the traditional, “Happy Three Kings, Father!” Let me first say this for its shock value: THERE ARE NO THREE KINGS! Now that I have your attention, let me explain.

Matthew’s Gospel tells us that when Jesus was born, there came to give him homage wise men from the East (Matthew 2, 1). Those who came to visit Jesus were called the magi (magus in Greek). Herodotus, a famous historian, wrote that the magus were from the Median tribe who were suppose to overthrow the Persian government, but their influence was curtailed by Cyrus the Great and his son. Media was then absorbed into the Persian Empire around 550 BC. Shunning all political activities, they became priests whose activities included funerary services. Later, they accepted the Zoroastrian religion, but keeping many of their former practices. They were to the Persians, what the Levites were to the Jews. In Persia, no sacrifice can be made without the presence of the magi.

The magi were good men who were known for their expertise in the natural sciences, philosophy and medicine. During their time, people were very much interested in astrology. They believed that they could foretell the future by reading the stars and the destiny of human beings were already determined by the star on which the person was born. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that these wise magi followed a star, commonly referred to as “The Star of Bethlehem”. Whether it was a star or an astronomical event such as the conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn (7 BC) or a heliacal event (as translated from the Greek, anatole, “rising from the morning”) meaning a star above the horizon but hidden because of the brightness of the sun. In ancient astrology, the appearance of a ‘star’ means the birth of royalty. Thus it was not surprising that the wise men from the East, who paid particular attention to the stars, came to follow that bright star to Jerusalem (Matthew 2, 1) to pay homage to the future king.

During that time, there was a growing expectation of a king. Both historians, Seutonius in his book, Life of Vespasian, and Tacitus, in his book Histories, tell us that during those days an old belief was gaining popularity. They believed that a great king will be born in Judea, and he will be great, gaining universal empire. The scriptural basis of this belief is from the Masoretic text of the prophet Micah 5, 1-3, as quoted by the chief priests of Herod, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Matthew tells us that these wise men gave Jesus three highly symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold is given to kings; frankincense is given to priests; and myrrh, an embalming oil, is given to the dying. These items became emblems of Jesus’ life: Jesus is King; Jesus is Priest; and Jesus’ death is our salvation. One can still hear its medieval significance in John Henry Hopkins’ song, “We, three Kings” composed around 1857. Thus the three wise men were indeed ‘wise’ because they have given the appropriate gifts to Jesus, and at the same time, was able to recognize the true identity of Jesus.

Thus, it is widely accepted that there is nothing in scripture that tells us that they were kings, and that they were only three people from the East who came to seek Jesus. And thus, the religious significance of this homage to Jesus shifts from the “three kings” to the epiphany: the wise men of the East were witnesses that God has indeed become one of us. Epiphany, when translated from Greek, means “the manifestation of God” as man, with a definite name (Jesus) --- ang pagpapakita ng Diyos sa atin bilang tao; may hugis, may pangalan (Hesus) at taong-tao (dyumi-dyingle, dumu-dumi, nagkaka-amoy-pawis tulad nating lahat.

As we celebrate the first Epiphany of Our Lord on the first Sunday after January 1^st, let us reflect on our lives and see how God had manifested Himself to us. Be sure that we are able to concretely identify the event: what, when, where, who were the instruments of His presence, what were you feeling, etc. And when we are able to concretely see the times when we greatly experience these manifestations of God in our lives, then we ask ourselves too: What appropriate gift should I give to God?

Happy Epiphany to all!

Why Do You Believe

5 January 2007. Friday Before Epiphany
John 1, 43-51: The Call of Nathanael

The Gospel today presents to us a pattern of discipleship. Andrew brings his brother Simon Peter and said, “We have found the Messiah.” Philip founds Nathanael, and said, “We have found him”. The role of disciples is defined by the pattern of each one bringing another to Jesus. Therefore, a disciple is one who brings another to Jesus.

This is the first point for us to reflect on: Who brought us to Jesus? Our faith grows because of many disciples of Jesus. When we were baptized, our parents and godparents promised to rear us in the faith. I remember my parents bringing us all to church every Sunday at 8 AM. As we grow older, our teachers and friends contribute to the growth --- or reduction --- of our faith. In later life, someone or an organization may have brought you to a deeper understanding and love of Jesus.

The Gospel tells us that Philip identifies Jesus as the Messiah, who comes from Nazareth. And Nathanael replied, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (May mabuti bang pwedeng manggaling sa Nazareth?). Why is the response of Nathanael very skeptical, hindi naniwala at may pagkamataray? You see, Nathanael was an Israelite: he knew the Old Testament, and there is nothing in the Old Testament that refers to God’s Messiah as coming from Nazareth. Nazareth was a quite undistinguished place, and God’s chosen One cannot come from such a small town. At that time, there was rivalry and jealousy between towns and villages. Philip did not argue, he just said, “Come and see.” Who were the “Philips” or the significant disciples in your life who brought you to a deeper understanding of Jesus?

When Nathanael finally meets Jesus, he was surprised that Jesus can see who he was. Jesus remarked, “A man who is really an Israelite! A man whom there is no guile. (Isang totoong Israelitang walang pagkukunwari!)” And Nathanael demanded how Jesus could know him in so short an acquaintance. Jesus told him that He saw him under the fig tree. What is the significance of the fig tree? The fig tree is a symbol of peace, and no one can be disturbed when under it (1 Kgs 4, 25; Micah 4, 4; Zech 3,10). Moreover, studies of the Torah were usually done under a fig tree. In Hosea 9,10, God said, “Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. Like the first fruit on the fig tree... I saw your ancestors?” For Nathanael, Jesus’ remark about him meant two things: Jesus complimented Nathanael as a true Israelite, and Jesus had some divine knowledge.

With that, Nathanael believed. But Jesus poses an important question, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under a fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” It probes into the source and authenticity of the faith of Nathanael, and raises the second question for us: What therefore constitutes faith? Ano ba ang tunay na pananampalataya? Do you believe because you are afraid of hell or the punishment of God? Do you believe because of parental or peer pressure? Do you believe because you feel guilty if you do not fulfill your obligations? Do you believe because you want to see miracles? Or, who is a better believer: the one who attends mass but treats her househelp unjustly, or the one who cares for the rights of workers but declares he doesn’t believe in God?

St. Francis Xavier SJ, has a prayer, O God, I Love You (O Deus Ego Amo Te) that illustrates why he believed:

O God, I love You, I love You ---

Not out of hope of heaven for me

Nor fearing not to love and be in the everlasting burning.

You, You, my Jesus, after me did reach your arms out dying,

For my sake You suffered nails and lance,

mocked and marred countenance,

Sorrows passing number,

Sweat and care and cumber,

Yes and death, and this for me,

And You could see me sinning.

Then I, why should not I love You,

Jesus, so much in love with me?

Not for heaven’s sake; not to be out of hell by loving You;

Not for any gains I see;

But just the way that You did for me

I do love and I will love Thee:

What must I love Thee, Lord, for then?

For being my king and God. Amen.

There are two points raised today: Who brought you to Jesus and what constitutes your faith? We can do a little twist to these questions: With what you say and what you do, how do you bring others to Jesus? How do you help others deepen their understanding of Jesus?

Discerning our Vocations

4 January 2007. Thursday before Epiphany
1 John 3, 7-10; John 1, 35-42: Discerning our vocations

Everyone has a vocation. We are all called to be Christ’s disciples like Peter and Andrew whom Christ invited to follow him. The word ‘vocation’ --- a call or an invitation --- does not only mean the priesthood or the religious life. It is a term for everybody. Fr. Thomas Green S.J. defined a vocation as “a call from God to follow Him in a particular form of life (lay, priestly, religious), which may then be further specified.” For example, if you are considering the priesthood, would you want to be a diocesan (like Fr. Raymond Arre, who is our parish priest) or a religious (like me)? And if religious, what congregation or order do you want to be: Jesuit, Dominican, Franciscan, Benedictine, Blessed Sacrament, Paulines, etc.)? In addition, if you want to be a lay person, would you want to be married or single? And in what way would you want to live your life? In other words, the call of the Lord for us is simply to be his disciple or to be truly children of God. But how to be his disciple is left for us to discern. Our personal way to the Lord has to be discerned properly.

There are many students and young professionals who have asked me about vocation. And perhaps today, we shall see certain steps to be able to discern our place in the greater scheme of things. Discernment (as distinguished from decision-making) is a prayer: it is discovering in prayer how God wishes us to act in a particular vocation (Luke 9, 57-62). Let see some steps and prerequisites.

First, ask yourself about the state of life the Lord is calling you. Is God calling you to be a lay person, a priest or a religious? If religious, what congregation or order? If lay, married or single?

In discerning the state of life, there are natural prerequisites, since ‘grace builds on nature’ (Thomas Aquinas) and the God gives particular graces in order for us to fulfill His call. A specific vocation needs sufficient intelligence for the life in question, mental health, sound common sense, and the strength of will to follow practical judgments. If you are married, it needs some manageable neurosis and transcendence of self: one cannot live with another if he or she is too self-centered to consider the needs of others other than himself. Or, as a lay person, you want to become an engineer, perhaps you must have a higher mathematical-logical intelligence to become one; and a sound common sense, or else, you may cause a bridge to break.

Second, there is an interior grace of vocation. It is not just the natural prerequisites that are needed; there are others who possess all them but may not be called to that particular state of life unless he or she considers his personal call from God. It's the "ok lang, pero hindi ko siya feel." You find where you fit and feel 'at home'. And this is done gradually over a length of time. The whole college life is a good time to discern.

A valid motivation is very much required. Why do you want to be a doctor? If your motivation is just to earn money, and nothing else, perhaps, you better consider other professions or else, you might endanger people’s lives. If your motivation is clear, that you love your neighbor and this is the best service you can give them, and that this is your response to God’s love, then perhaps, you are in the right path.

However, our motives may be mixed (part valid, part invalid such as prestige and security), our core motivation can become clearer only by prayer and the ability to face oneself squarely. The spiritual results can be discerned by concrete manifestations. If you want to be a priest, do you find yourself attending mass, not as a requirement, but you just love attending mass; do you pray often; can you live a celibate life? If you want to be married, are you able to maintain your relationships well? If you have a steady relationship (a boyfriend or girlfriend), are you faithful to him or her? What is the level of honesty and communication between both of you? And in preparing for marriage, have you tried to be financially stable so that you can actually raise your family especially your children?

Finally, we discern our vocation gradually. No one experiences what St. Paul had by a blinding light and Jesus telling him what to do. For most of us, we do it in prayer and with a sufficient self-knowledge and acceptance. Some people go through transitional vocations. I have a friend who was a successful bank manager. After a few years, she said she was becoming restless and unhappy. She came for a discernment retreat, and finally, decided to try what she wanted to do all her life. She now runs a restaurant, and her vegetables are products of her own organic farm. She said she is very happy and less stressed.

There is a tendency for us to be sigurista --- we want to be perfectly certain. But experience tells us that things don’t get perfectly certain. Even science: certitude is determined by the same result from numerous tests. Thus, a large part of it is the leap of faith, to trust God at each step. And when our heart reaches a certain clarity, then decide --- that’s the last natural requirement. We need to decide and follow that decision headlong. If not, then perhaps be resigned to grow old asking the dreaded question, "What if?"

*someone who discerns --- a retreatant --- at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The Johns of our lives

3 January 2007: Wednesday before the Epiphany
1 John 2, 29- 3,6 & John 1, 29-34: The ‘Johns’ in our lives

In the public life of Jesus, many people did not recognize who Jesus truly was. Thus when the evangelists wrote the Gospels, they introduced Jesus to the people. The writers of the Gospels, especially John, presented Jesus at the beginning of their stories. The Gospel today from John tells us about John the Baptist who identified Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” And at the end of the passage, John would testify to the truth that “Jesus is the Son of God.”

In the first letter of John, the first reading today, he reminds us that we are truly ‘children of God.’ And that what and who we are. This disciple of Jesus was also the first one to recognize and believed in the resurrection. And at the Resurrection accounts on the Lake of Tiberias, John would tell Peter, “It is the Lord!” as they followed Jesus’ instruction to throw the nets into the sea for a great catch.

Both Johns --- John the Baptist, and John, the beloved disciple --- identified Jesus and helped others recognize Him at moments of darkness. Today, we shall identify who our “Johns” are in our lives. The “Johns” in our lives play pivotal roles when we experience darkness or hopelessness.

Chris Daniel M. Losa was a prenovice in Arvisu House when I was there. His article about the year 2006 in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Young Blood, January 2, 2007) caught my attention. His article was a rewind of tragedies: it began with December 2006 when much of Albay was without electricity (and that included my family); November was tragic with typhoon ‘Reming’ and Albay was in shabbles. The article ended with January when he and his brother Bryan celebrated the New Year watching the fireworks display at midnight. Two months after, Bryan met an accident on his way to Ash Wednesday mass. In his article, Chris becomes cynical with New Year celebrations and much, much, more. Is there really reason to celebrate when what is ahead are disappointments and tragedies?

The experience of Chris happens to us in varying degrees and intensities. There are those who are terminally-ill (Is believing in God the better way because one is left without a choice?), those who experienced loss (like some of my students whose parents died this year); those with financial difficulties like my family and many others in Albay. It would be difficult to identify and recognize Jesus when we are directly involved in a crisis. All the platitudes people say, like “everything happens for a reason” and “God might be communicating something to you,” are rendered useless and overly pious.

In the darkness, we grope for the light. The Johns of our lives --- a best friend, a family member, a counselor, etc --- come to you, not to give unwarranted and unsolicited advice, but to tell you where the light is, who Jesus is. Karl Rahner, SJ, once wrote about who Jesus is to us. He said that Christians know the definitive name of God, Jesus, “who is our helper.” These Johns do not just give comfort, but direct our gaze on the sole savior for those in greatest need.

*During the Christmas concert of our choir, Canto Cinco Music Ministry, they gave candles to their "Johns". This is Herbie's girlfriend. Some gave their candles to their families.