Category: Christmas

Fear

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The Epiphany of the Lord [January 6, 2019] Matthew 2:1-12

three magi chineseThe third question Archbishop Socrates Villegas asked me during my ordination was “Are you afraid enough? Just like the first two questions, this one is also counterintuitive. One of my favorite phrases in the Bible is “Do not be afraid!” In many occasions in the Scriptures, this statement does not simply convey encouragement, but also a life-changing mission. When Abram was getting old and he was childless, he doubted to enter the convent with the Lord who promised him descendants like the stars in heaven, God said, “do not fear!” (Gen 15) Then, Abraham became the father of all nations. When God called Jeremiah to prophesy to Judah, he found an excuse in his young age, but God said, “do not be afraid!” (Jer 1:8) Then, Jeremiah became one of the greatest prophets of Israel. When Joseph felt betrayed and yet in his mercy, planned to divorce Mary in secret, the angel said to him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” (Mat 1:20) Then, Joseph became the foster father of the Son of God. When Mary received the Good News from the angel Gabriel, she did not understand what was happening, Gabriel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luk. 1:30) Then, she became the Mother of God.

We need in the Church, the people who are not afraid to follow God’s call to love and to serve. We need priests who do not fear to proclaim the Gospel despite hardship, trials, and even threats to their lives. We need religious men and women who do not fret to serve the poor, the marginalized and the forgotten. We need the clergymen who dare to say no to the comfort of life, to fight off laziness, and to serve and to be served. We need lay men and women who are courageous in making their daily sacrifice for their families and in witnessing to Jesus Christ. We can learn also from the three Magi who traveled a thousand miles from the east, braved all dangers including the bandits and violent weathers, and challenged the power-hungry Herod, just to see the baby Jesus.

However, to have no fear does not mean recklessness. In the same Bible, we discover also that there is one fear that is needed and in fact, holy. This is the fear of the Lord (Job 28:28; Psalm 110:10). It is not the fear that flows from the fearsome and vengeful image of God. We are afraid because God will punish us and throw us to hell! No, it is a wrong image. We fear the Lord because we are afraid to offend someone who loves, someone who has loved us tremendously. We should be afraid that we lose God because of our sinful attachments. We must fear that we are separate from God who is the source of our life. The priests should be afraid to celebrate the Eucharist unworthily. The lay men and women must be afraid to approach the Eucharist and other sacraments in vain. The clergymen should be afraid to steal the money of the Church. The men of God must fear to deny the spiritual needs of the people. Again, the three Magi are our good model. They dared many challenges and defied Herod the great, but before the baby Jesus, they prostrated themselves and gave homage. It is the holy fear of God.

Deacon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Takut

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Hari Raya Penampakan Tuhan [6 Januari 2019] Matius 2:1-12

three magi africanPertanyaan ketiga yang diajukan Uskup Agung Socrates Villegas kepada saya saat saya ditahbiskan adalah, “Apakah kamu takut? Sama seperti dua pertanyaan sebelumnya, pertanyaan ini juga berlawanan dengan intuisi dasar. Salah satu ungkapan favorit saya dalam Alkitab adalah “Jangan takut!” Dalam banyak kesempatan dalam Kitab Suci, pernyataan ini tidak hanya menyampaikan dorongan semangat, tetapi juga sebuah misi yang mengubah hidup. Ketika Abram menjadi tua dan tidak memiliki anak, dia ragu dengan janji Tuhan yang menjanjikan keturunan seperti bintang-bintang di langit, Allah berkata, “Jangan takut!” (Kej 15) Akhirnya, Abraham menjadi bapak dari bangsa-bangsa. Ketika Allah memanggil Yeremia untuk bernubuat kepada Yehuda, ia ragu dan beralasan bahwa usianya yang masih muda, tetapi Tuhan berkata, “Jangan takut!” (Yer 1:8) Lalu, Yeremia menjadi salah satu nabi terbesar Israel. Ketika Yusuf merasa dikhianati saat dia mengetahui Maria mengandung diluar nikah, namun dalam belas kasihannya, ia berencana untuk menceraikan Maria secara rahasia, malaikat pun berkata kepadanya, “Yusuf, anak Daud, jangan takut untuk mengambil Maria sebagai istrimu.” (Mat 1:20) Kemudian, Yusuf menjadi ayah angkat Putra Allah. Ketika Maria menerima Kabar Baik dari malaikat Gabriel, dia tidak mengerti apa yang sedang terjadi, Gabriel pun berkata kepadanya, “Jangan takut, Maria sebab engkau beroleh kasih karunia di hadapan Allah.” (Luk. 1:30) Lalu, dia menjadi Bunda Allah.

Kita membutuhkan di Gereja, orang-orang yang tidak takut untuk mengikuti panggilan Allah untuk mengasihi dan melayani. Kita membutuhkan para imam yang tidak takut untuk memberitakan Injil terlepas dari kesulitan, cobaan, dan bahkan ancaman terhadap hidup mereka. Kita membutuhkan biarawan-biarawati yang tekun melayani yang miskin, yang terpinggirkan dan yang terlupakan. Kita membutuhkan imam yang berani mengatakan tidak untuk kenyamanan hidup, untuk melawan kemalasan, dan untuk melayani dan bukan dilayani. Kita membutuhkan pria dan wanita awam yang berani dalam melakukan pengorbanan setiap hari untuk keluarga mereka dan dalam memberikan kesaksian kepada dunia. Kita dapat belajar juga dari ketiga orang Majus yang melakukan perjalanan ribuan mil dari timur, menantang semua bahaya termasuk para perampok dan cuaca yang tidak bersahabat, dan berhadapan dengan Herodes yang haus kekuasaan, hanya untuk melihat bayi Yesus.

Namun, tidak memiliki rasa takut bukan berarti nekat, ceroboh dan seenaknya sendiri. Dalam Alkitab yang sama, kita juga menemukan bahwa ada satu ketakutan yang diperlukan dan pada kenyataannya, kudus. Ini adalah takut akan Tuhan (Ayub 28:28; Mazmur 110: 10). Ini bukanlah rasa takut yang mengalir dari citra Allah yang menakutkan dan penuh dendam. Kita takut karena Tuhan akan menghukum kita dan melemparkan kita ke neraka! Tidak, ini gambar yang salah.

Kita takut akan Tuhan karena kita takut melukai seseorang yang mengasihi kita dan seseorang yang sangat kita kasihi. Kita harus takut saat kita kehilangan Tuhan karena kelekatan kita terhadap dosa. Kita harus takut bahwa kita terpisah dari Tuhan yang merupakan sumber kehidupan kita. Para imam harus takut untuk merayakan Ekaristi dengan tidak layak. Kaum awam harus takut untuk mendekati Ekaristi dan sakramen-sakramen lainnya dengan keadaan berdosa. Para imam harus takut untuk mencuri uang Gereja. Para klerus harus takut menolak kebutuhan rohani umat. Sekali lagi, ketiga majus adalah model yang baik kita. Mereka berani menghadapi banyak tantangan dan menentang Herodes agung, tetapi di hadapan bayi Yesus, mereka bersujud dan memberi hormat. Jangan takut terhadap hal-hal yang menghalangi kita jalan kita menuju Tuhan, dan kita takut dengan hal-hal yang menjauhkan kita dengan Tuhan.

Diakon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Happy Mothers’ Day!

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Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God [January 1, 2019] Luke 2:16-21

mary and jesus - javaneseSome of us may wonder why the Church places the celebration of the solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God on January 1, or on the New Year. One may guess that the Church wants us to attend mass on the first day of the year, so as to start the year right. For those who wish to have a long holiday, it might be pretty a killjoy, but for some of us who wish to be blessed for the entire year, it is a nice thought. Yet, surely there is something deeper than that.

One reason is that the Church invites us all to reflect on the past year with gratitude as we count our blessings, and thus, we are able to look forward with faith and hope. In the Gospel, Mary is depicted as someone who always keeping things in heart and reflecting them (see Luk 2:19). Like Mary, we are asked to pause for a while on the momentous day of the year and ponder God’s works in our lives.

Another reason that I think more fundamental is that it is proper to conclude the Christmas octave with the Solemnity of Mother of God. “Octave” simply means eight, and in the Church’s liturgy, it means eight days prolonged celebration of particular grand events in the Church like Easter and Christmas. Like Christmas octave cover December 25 till January 1. If at Christmas day, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus, at the end of the Octave, we are celebrating the woman who gave birth to Jesus. Without a mother who receives the baby in her womb, carries the baby for nine months, and gambles her life in the process of delivery, a baby will not be born. In short, without Mary, there will be no Jesus.

To become a mother is a natural part of being a woman, and yet despite being natural, it remains a very difficult process for a woman. I am not a woman, but I can tell that it is a life of sacrifice because to take care of Br. Ruseno can cause a lot of high blood pressure! It is true that not all mother is perfect. Some have their own share of weakness and mistake, but the mere fact a mother has decided to give birth to her child, she has put her life on the line.

Now if to become the mother of any human being is super tough, how about to become the mother of God? We learn from Mary herself. She was pregnant out of wedlock, and this may lead people to stone her to death. She gave birth to Jesus in a dirty stable without professional help. This may cause her life. She raised the child Jesus who was often beyond her comprehension. Ultimately, she would witness with her own eyes how her only son was humiliated, tortured, and crucified. What a painful experience to bury one’s, own child! Simeon’s prophecy that a sword shall pierce Mary’s soul turned to be a reality (see Luk 2:35).

Indeed, Mary is most blessed among women, in fact among all human beings, but her blessedness does not mean an easy life. In fact, it is the opposite! St. Teresa of Avila once asked God, why He gives so many sufferings to His saints. God answered that it was the way He treated His friends. Then, St. Teresa replied, “That is why you do not have many friends!”

To become a mother is a blessing, but God’s blessing does not mean an easy life. God’s blessing means the opportunity and ability to love. To love despite challenges and trials of life, to give even when it hurts, and to sacrifice when it counts. At this New Year, we are celebrating the motherhood of Mary, indeed the motherhood of every woman. It is a Mothers’ Day in the Church. We pray for every mother that they may be blessed with the gift of love, and we also are given the same blessing in this year.

 

Deacon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Selamat Hari Ibu!

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Hari Raya Santa Perawan Maria, Bunda Allah [1 Januari 2019] Lukas 2: 16-21

mary and jesus - javanese 2Kita mungkin bertanya-tanya mengapa Gereja menempatkan Hari Raya Maria, Bunda Allah pada tanggal 1 Januari, atau pada Tahun Baru. Orang mungkin berpikir bahwa Gereja ingin kita menghadiri misa pada hari pertama tahun baru ini. Bagi mereka yang ingin memiliki liburan panjang, ini mungkin tidak menyenangkan, tetapi bagi sebagian dari kita yang ingin diberkati sepanjang tahun, itu adalah ide yang bagus. Namun, pasti ada sesuatu yang lebih dalam mengapa tanggal 1 Januari.

Salah satu alasan adalah bahwa Gereja mengundang kita semua untuk merenungkan tahun yang baru berlalu dengan rasa syukur, ketika kita mengingat berkat-berkat yang telah kita terima, dan dengan demikian, kita dapat melihat ke depan dengan iman dan harapan. Dalam Injil, Maria digambarkan sebagai seseorang yang selalu menyimpan hal-hal di hatinya dan merenungkannya (lihat Luk 2:19). Seperti Maria, kita diminta untuk berhenti sebentar pada hari penting tahun ini dan merenungkan karya Tuhan dalam hidup kita.

Alasan lain yang saya pikir lebih mendasar adalah bahwa sudah sepantutnya untuk mengakhiri oktaf Natal dengan Perayaan Maria Bunda Allah. “Oktaf” berarti delapan, dan dalam liturgi Gereja, itu berarti delapan hari perayaan memperingati momen besar di Gereja seperti Paskah dan Natal. Seperti oktaf Natal dimulai dari tanggal 25 Desember hingga 1 Januari. Jika pada hari Natal, kita merayakan kelahiran Yesus, pada hari terakhir oktaf, kita memperingati perempuan yang melahirkan Yesus. Tanpa seorang ibu yang menerima bayi di dalam rahimnya, mengandung bayinya selama sembilan bulan, dan mempertaruhkan hidupnya saat melahirkan, seorang bayi tidak akan dilahirkan. Singkatnya, tanpa Maria, tidak akan ada Yesus.

Menjadi seorang ibu adalah bagian alami dari menjadi seorang perempuan, namun meskipun alami, ini tetap merupakan proses yang sangat sulit bagi seorang perempuan. Saya bukan seorang perempuan, tetapi saya dapat mengatakan bahwa ini adalah hidup penuh pengorbanan. Kenapa? Karena untuk merawat dan membesarkan Diakon Bayu menyebabkan banyak tekanan darah tinggi! Memang benar bahwa tidak semua ibu sempurna. Beberapa memiliki kelemahan dan kesalahan, tetapi fakta bahwa seorang ibu telah memutuskan untuk melahirkan anaknya, ia telah mempertaruhkan nyawanya bagi sang anak.

Sekarang jika menjadi ibu dari seorang manusia adalah luar biasa sulit, bagaimana dengan menjadi Bunda Allah? Kita bisa belajar dari Maria sendiri. Dia hamil di luar nikah, dan orang-orang bisa saja merajam dia sampai mati. Dia melahirkan Yesus di kandang yang kotor tanpa bantuan medis professional, dan ini sangat berbahaya. Dia membesarkan Yesus yang seringkali Dia tidak mengerti tingkah laku Yesus. Pada akhirnya, dia akan menyaksikan dengan matanya sendiri bagaimana putra satu-satunya dihina, disiksa, dan disalibkan. Betapa pengalaman yang menyakitkan untuk mengubur anaknya sendiri! Nubuat Simeon bahwa pedang akan menembus jiwa Maria menjadi kenyataan (lihat Luk 2:35).

Memang, Maria paling diberkati di antara para wanita, bahkan di antara semua manusia, tetapi walaupun diberkati ini tidak berarti hidupnya menjadi mudah. Justru sebaliknya! St. Teresa dari Avila pernah bertanya kepada Tuhan, mengapa Ia memberikan begitu banyak penderitaan kepada orang-orang kudus-Nya. Tuhan menjawab bahwa itu adalah cara-Nya memperlakukan sahabat-sahabat-Nya. Kemudian, St Teresa menjawab, “Itulah sebabnya Tuhan tidak memiliki banyak sahabat!”

Menjadi seorang ibu adalah berkat, tetapi berkat Tuhan tidak berarti hidup yang mudah. Berkat Tuhan yang sesungguhnya adalah kesempatan dan kemampuan untuk mengasihi lebih dalam. Mengasihi terlepas dari tantangan dan cobaan hidup, untuk memberi bahkan saat kita tidak punya, dan  berkorban saat kita tidak siap. Pada Tahun Baru ini, kita merayakan Maria sebagai seorang ibu, dan juga keibuan setiap perempuan. Itu adalah Hari Ibu di Gereja. Kita berdoa untuk setiap ibu agar mereka diberkati dengan rahmat cinta kasih, dan kita juga berkati dengan rahmat yang sama di tahun baru ini.

Diakon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Jesus and Joseph

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The Feast of the Holy Family [December 30, 2018] Luke 2:41-52

holy familyWe are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the feast day of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The last event in the Bible that presents the Homily Family together is the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. After this event, Joseph no longer appeared in the Bible, and according to the tradition, he passed away even before he was able to see Jesus in His public ministry. Since this is the last episode where Joseph gets involved in the narrative, we shall reflect more about him.

In today’s Gospel, we discover a seemingly a fatal mistake of Joseph and Mary. They allow the child Jesus to be lost! That was careless! Yet, are Joseph and Mary really careless? Looking deeper into their context, it is not really the case. When Joseph and Mary go to Jerusalem for the festival of Passover, they do not go by themselves, but with other relatives and neighbors from Nazareth. Traveling together may slow them down, but it gives protection from robbers and avoids the food shortage. The responsibility of taking care of the children are also shared among the adults. After all, Jesus is twelve years old and big enough to take care of younger members of the group. Surely, it is not carelessness, but the trust is given to Jesus that allows Jesus to stay behind in Jerusalem. As dedicated parents, Joseph and Mary are looking for Jesus anxiously. To look for a boy in the capital city Jerusalem is just like finding a needle in the mount of straw, but, miraculously, they are able to find Him: Jesus is in the midst of teachers of the Jewish Laws, discussing and answering them with eloquence.

When Mary asks Jesus why he is missing, Jesus’ answer is mind-boggling, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk. 2:41) Mary does not understand with the answer, and she is pondering all these things in her heart. But, how about Joseph, the foster father of Jesus? What will be his reaction and feeling when he hears, “… I must be in my Father’s house?” Will Joseph punish Jesus for disrespect to him and Mary? Will he get furious after Jesus goes away without permission? Will Joseph disown Jesus after Jesus seemingly refuse to call him as a father?

Though it is hard to determine because Joseph is a silent man, I do believe Joseph will not do these violent things because he is a peaceful person. When Joseph knew Mary was pregnant out of wedlock, he could have thrown the first stone. Yet, he chose mercy and spared Mary from vengeance. As he was merciful to Mary, so he will be merciful to Jesus. Yet, there is something more. Beyond these initial reactions, I believe that Joseph is grateful and proud of Jesus. And why should he be thankful and proud? We recall that Joseph is described as the righteous man or in original Greek, “diatheke”. He is righteous not only because he knows well the Law of God, and abide by it, but because he loves the Law dearly. One of the basic duties of a Jewish father is to teach his children to learn and to love the Law. Thus, If Jesus is able to answers the teachers, to a certain extent, it is because Joseph has taught Him well. Moreover, Jesus prefers to engage with His Father’s affairs. This means Joseph does not only teach Jesus the technicalities of the Law but fundamentally, to love God above all.

St. Joseph becomes an example of every man, especially how to raise children. The first and foremost duty of every father is to lead their children to the Lord and to teach them to love God, and to love others for the sake of God. And how to do that? Like St. Joseph, we need to teach our children by example.

Deacon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Deacon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Yesus dan Yusuf

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Pesta Keluarga Kudus [30 Desember 2018] Lukas 2: 41-52

St.-JosephMinggu ini, kita merayakan pesta Keluarga Kudus Nazareth. Peristiwa terakhir dalam Alkitab yang menghadirkan Keluarga Kudus adalah ketika Yesus ditemukan di Bait Allah. Setelah peristiwa ini, Yusuf tidak lagi muncul dalam Alkitab, dan menurut tradisi, ia meninggal bahkan sebelum ia dapat melihat Yesus mewartakan Injil. Karena ini adalah episode terakhir di mana Yusuf terlibat dalam narasi, kita akan merenungkan Injil hari ini dan belajar dari St. Yusuf.

Dalam Injil hari ini, kita menemukan kesalahan fatal dari Yusuf dan Maria. Mereka membiarkan Yesus hilang! Sebuah kecerobohan! Namun, apakah Yusuf dan Maria benar-benar ceroboh? Melihat lebih dalam konteks mereka, kecerobohan bukanlah jawabannya. Ketika Yusuf dan Maria pergi ke Yerusalem untuk merayakan Paskah, mereka tidak pergi sendiri, tetapi bersama sanak saudara dari Nazareth. Bepergian bersama mungkin memperlambat mereka, tetapi memberi perlindungan dari perampok dan menjaga ketersediaan makanan. Tanggung jawab merawat anak-anak juga dibagi di antara orang-orang dewasa. Lagi pula, Yesus berusia dua belas tahun dan cukup besar untuk merawat anggota kelompok yang lebih muda. Tentunya, ini bukan kecerobohan, tetapi kepercayaan yang diberikan kepada Yesus yang memungkinkan Yesus untuk tetap tinggal di Yerusalem. Sebagai orang tua yang berdedikasi, Yusuf dan Maria kembali ke Yerusalem dan mencari Yesus dengan cemas. Mencari seorang anak laki-laki di ibu kota Yerusalem yang besar sama halnya seperti menemukan jarum di gunung jerami, tetapi, akhirnya, mereka berhasil menemukan-Nya: Yesus ada di tengah-tengah para guru Hukum Taurat di Bait Allah, berdiskusi dan memberi jawaban yang sangat cerdas.

Ketika Maria bertanya kepada Yesus mengapa Dia tidak pulang bersama mereka, jawaban Yesus sangat membingungkan, “Tidakkah kamu tahu, bahwa Aku harus berada di dalam rumah Bapa-Ku?” (Lk. 2:49) Maria tidak mengerti dengan jawaban-Nya, dan sang Bunda merenungkan semua hal ini di dalam hatinya. Tetapi, bagaimana dengan Yusuf, ayah angkat Yesus? Apa yang akan menjadi reaksi dan perasaannya ketika dia mendengar, “… Aku harus berada di dalam rumah Bapa-Ku?” Apakah Yusuf akan menghukum Yesus karena Dia tidak menghormati orang tua-Nya? Apakah dia akan marah setelah Yesus pergi tanpa izin? Akankah Yusuf memungkiri Yesus setelah Yesus tampaknya menolak memanggilnya sebagai seorang ayah?

Meskipun, sulit untuk menentukan karena Yusuf adalah pria yang pendiam, saya yakin Yusuf tidak akan melakukan hal-hal yang kejam ini karena dia adalah orang yang cinta damai. Ketika Yusuf tahu Maria hamil di luar nikah, ia bisa saja melempar batu pertama. Namun, ia memilih belas kasihan dan menyelamatkan Maria dari dendam pembalasan. Karena dia berbelas kasih kepada Maria, maka dia akan berbelas kasih kepada Yesus. Namun, beranjak dari reaksi awal ini, saya percaya bahwa Yusuf bersyukur dan bangga dengan Yesus. Namun, mengapa dia harus bersyukur dan bangga? Kita ingat bahwa Yusuf digambarkan sebagai orang “tulus hati” atau dalam bahasa Yunani, “diatheke”. Dia adalah orang benar bukan hanya karena dia tahu dengan baik Hukum Allah, dan menaatinya, tetapi karena dia sangat mencintai Allah. Salah satu tugas dasar seorang ayah Yahudi adalah mengajar anak-anaknya untuk belajar dan mencintai Hukum Allah. Jadi, Jika Yesus mampu menjawab para guru, salah satu alasan mendasar adalah karena Yusuf telah mengajar-Nya dengan baik. Selain itu, Yesus lebih memilih untuk terlibat dengan urusan Bapa-Nya. Ini berarti Yusuf tidak hanya mengajarkan kepada Yesus teknis dari Hukum Taurat, tetapi pada dasarnya, untuk mengasihi Allah di atas segalanya.

St. Yusuf menjadi contoh bagi setiap pria, terutama bagaimana membesarkan anak-anak. Tugas pertama dan terpenting dari setiap ayah adalah membawa anak-anak mereka kepada Tuhan dan mengajar mereka untuk mencintai Tuhan, dan untuk mengasihi sesama demi Tuhan. Dan bagaimana cara melakukannya? Seperti St. Yusuf, kita perlu mengajar anak-anak kita dengan memberi contoh dan kesaksian hidup.

Diakon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

The Magi

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The Epiphany of the Lord [January 7, 2018] Matthew 2:1-12

“Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mat 2:11)”

magi shadowBalthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar, as the tradition called them, were neither Jews nor baptized Christians. In Greek ancient manuscripts of the Gospel, the word used to describe them is ‘magos’, meaning ‘someone with magical power’ or ‘magicians’, and practicing magic is detestable in the eyes of the Jews (2 Chro 33:6).  Even the Catholic Church herself prohibits our engagement with any kind of magic (CCC 2116). Yet, we cannot be sure what kind of magic they craft, but one thing is certain that these Magi read the sign of times and follow the star. Because of this, they are called as one of those ancient astrologers, star-readers who predict the human behaviors and the future.

Surprisingly, today’s Gospel presents these three Magi as our protagonists. Why should these practitioners of magic turn to be the good guys here? If we examine closely the story of the Gospel, we discover that these Magi stand in contrast with Herod together with his chief priests and scribes. Unlike the Magi who are reading the star to find the new-born king, Herod and his religious associates are examining the Scriptures to locate the Messiah. Indeed, the Scriptures, as the Word of God, is the lawful means to seek Jesus. Unfortunately, despite its valid method, Herod’s intention is to annihilate Jesus, his threat to his throne. Herod embodies those people who use the Scriptures to achieve his own agenda, to confuse the people and to destroy God. Meanwhile the Magi, despite their illegitimate method, sincerely seek Jesus, the true King, and indeed, God leads them to Jesus.

The encounter with Jesus brings real transformation. The Magi offer Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Traditionally, the three gifts are symbols of kingship, priesthood and suffering of Jesus, but further studies suggest that the three gifts are the usual items used for practicing magic in the ancient time. Thus, when the Magi offer the three gifts, this symbolizes their giving-up of their old profession. When they see the true King, they have found the true meaning of life, the fullness of happiness. They realize that their former profession, powerful it might be, is not true. Their journey has come to a conclusion, and it is the time for them to decide whether to stay in their old way or to embrace Christ fully. And, they made the right choice.

The story of the Magi reminds me of the story of Bartolo Longo. Growing up in the troubled time of Italy and the Church, young Bartolo loses faith in Papacy, and entered a satanic group. He goes all the way and he becomes the satanic priest. Yet, despite the power and wealth he gains from the devil, he continues to be restless. Deep inside, he longs for the true peace. Driven by his desire for truth, and helped by his friend and a Dominican priest, he returns to the faith that he has abandoned. He becomes an ardent devotee of our Lady and zealous promoter of the rosary. He initiates the restoration of a dilapidated church in Pompey, and places the image of Our Lady of the Rosary. Through his effort, now the church has become a revered pilgrim site in Italy. His holiness is acknowledged by the Church, and he is beatified in 1980 by John Paul II.

Like the Magi and Bartolo Longo, are we ready to recognize Christ as our true happiness? Are we willing to look for Jesus in our lives’ journey? And, when the moment comes, are we willing to give up our former lives and to embrace Jesus fully?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno , OP

 

Majus

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Hari Raya Penampakan Tuhan [7 Januari 2018] Matius 2:1-12

“Merekapun membuka tempat harta bendanya dan mempersembahkan persembahan kepada-Nya, yaitu emas, kemenyan dan mur (Mat 2:11)”

three magiMenurut tradisi, nama tiga orang Majus adalah Balthazar, Melchior, dan Gaspar. Dalam bahasa Yunani, kata yang digunakan untuk Majus adalah ‘magos’, yang berarti ‘seseorang dengan kekuatan magis atau sihir’, dan mempraktekkan ilmu magis adalah sebuah kesalahan besar di mata orang-orang Yahudi (2 Taw 33: 6). Bahkan Gereja Katolik sendiri melarang kita memiliki kontak dengan praktek magis atau sihir apa pun (Katekismus 2116). Namun, kita tidak bisa memastikan bentuk magis apa yang digunakan oleh orang Majus ini, tapi satu hal yang pasti bahwa mereka membaca tanda zaman dan mengikuti bintang. Karena itu, mereka bias disebut sebagai astrolog kuno, pembaca bintang yang memprediksi perilaku manusia dan masa depan.

Anehnya, Injil hari ini mempersembahkan ketiga orang Majus ini sebagai protagonis. Mengapa para praktisi magis ini bisa menjadi orang baik di sini? Jika kita memeriksa dengan seksama kisah Injil, kita menemukan bahwa orang-orang Majus ini dikontraskan dengan Herodes bersama dengan imam-imam kepala dan ahli-ahli Tauratnya. Berbeda dengan orang Majus yang membaca bintang untuk menemukan raja yang baru lahir, Herodes dan para pembantunya meneliti Kitab Suci untuk menemukan Mesias. Memang, Kitab Suci, sebagai Firman Allah, adalah cara yang benar untuk mencari Yesus. Sayangnya, meski memiliki metode yang benar, maksud Herodes adalah untuk memusnahkan Yesus, yang merupakan ancaman terhadap takhtanya. Herodes menjadi lambang bagi orang-orang yang menggunakan Kitab Suci untuk mencapai agendanya sendiri, untuk membingungkan orang-orang dan untuk menghancurkan Tuhan. Sementara orang Majus, terlepas dari metode yang tidak benar, dengan tulus mencari Yesus dan sungguh, Tuhan membawa mereka kepada Yesus.

Pertemuan dengan Yesus membawa transformasi yang nyata. Orang Majus menawarkan Yesus emas, kemenyan, dan mur. Secara tradisional, ketiga hadiah itu adalah simbol kerajaan, imamat dan penderitaan Yesus, namun penelitian lebih lanjut menunjukkan bahwa ketiga hadiah itu adalah barang yang biasanya digunakan untuk mempraktekkan sihir di zaman kuno. Jadi, ketika orang Majus menawarkan tiga hadiah, ini melambangkan penyerahan profesi lama mereka. Ketika mereka melihat Raja sejati, mereka telah menemukan arti sebenarnya dari kehidupan dan kebahagiaan. Mereka menyadari bahwa profesi lama mereka walaupun memberi mereka kekuatan, tidaklah benar. Perjalanan mereka telah sampai pada puncaknya, dan inilah saatnya bagi mereka untuk memutuskan apakah akan bertahan dengan cara lama atau untuk menerima Kristus sepenuhnya. Dan, mereka membuat pilihan yang tepat.

Kisah orang Majus mengingatkan saya akan kisah Bartolo Longo. Tumbuh dalam masa sulit di Italia dan Gereja, Bartolo muda kehilangan kepercayaan pada Paus, dan memasuki sebuah kelompok pemuja setan, sampai pada akhirnya, dia menjadi imam dari kelompok tersebut. Namun, terlepas dari kekuatan dan kekayaan yang ia dapatkan dari setan, ia terus resah. Jauh di lubuk hatinya, ia merindukan kedamaian sejati. Didorong oleh keinginannya untuk mendapatkan kebenaran, dan dibantu oleh seorang imam Dominikan, dia kembali ke iman yang telah ditinggalkannya. Dia menjadi seorang yang mencintai Bunda Maria dan promotor rosario yang penuh semangat. Dia memulai pemulihan gereja yang rusak di kota Pompey, dan menempatkan lukisan Maria Ratu Rosario di sana. Melalui usahanya, kini gereja tersebut telah menjadi situs peziarahan yang dihormati di Italia. Kekudusannya diakui oleh Gereja, dan dia dibeatifikasi pada tahun 1980 oleh Yohanes Paulus II.

Seperti orang Majus dan Bartolo Longo, apakah kita siap untuk mengenali Kristus sebagai kebahagiaan sejati kita? Apakah kita bersedia untuk mencari Yesus dalam perjalanan hidup kita? Dan, ketika saatnya tiba, apakah kita rela melepaskan hidup kita yang lama dan untuk merangkul Yesus sepenuhnya?

Frater Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Why still Going to the Church on January 1?

On By bayuopIn Christmas, EnglishLeave a comment

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God [January 1, 2018] Luke 2:16-21

mother of godSome of us may wonder why the Church places the celebration of the solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God on January 1, or on the New Year. One may guess that the Church wants us to attend mass on the first day of the year, so as to start the year right. For those who wish to have a long holidays, it might be pretty a kill joy, but for some of us who wish to be blessed for the entire year, it is a nice thought. Yet, surely there is something deeper than that.

Mary as the Mother of God is the most ancient and foundational among the other Marian dogmas (there are four Marian dogmas). As early as second century AD, Christians in Egypt have prayed to Mary, and called her as the holy mother of God. The prayer is known as “Sub Tuum Praesidium” or “We fly to your patronage”, a prayer that is still being prayed daily by us, the Dominicans. At the council of Ephesus in 431, in effort to defend the humanity of Jesus, the Church proclaimed Mary as the Mother of God as definitive and bonding for all Christians of all time.

For non-Catholics, to call Mary as the mother of God is pretty idolatrous. If God has a mother, Mary must be the highest goddess of all! The Catholics must fall back to polytheism as they worship Mary like the ancient Greeks offered incense to Hera, the supreme goddess of Olympus. But, for the well-informed Catholics, the title ‘Mother of God’ does not point to the divinity of Mary, and in fact, we never consider Mary as another supreme being. She is human just every one of us, but she is so blessed because the Word was made flesh through her (Luk 1:31). Thus, in simple logic, we may say that Mary is the mother of Jesus and Jesus is God, therefore, Mary is the Mother of God.

Now, any true Marian teaching always sheds us more light on Jesus and brings us closer to God. If a woman becomes a mother because the child she bears, then it is fitting to place this solemnity of the Mother of God in close proximity to the Birth of Jesus or Christmas. No wonder, the Church honors her motherhood exactly at the Octave (8th day) of Christmas, which happens to fall on January 1. This connection between Mary the mother and baby Jesus is reflected also on today’s Gospel who speaks of the birth of Jesus.

Perhaps we are just lazy to attend the Mass today, especially we have many other plans. We rather choose to be caught in the festive atmosphere of New Year. Yet, it is also the day that we reconnect with brilliant Church Fathers who defend this teaching, with many Christian martyrs who choose to die for this truth, and with countless devout Christians who honor the Mother of God. If we begin New Year with a lot of resolutions, why don’t we make honoring Mary, as Jesus honors His mother, as our resolution?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Behind the Holy Family

On By bayuopIn Christmas, EnglishLeave a comment

Feast of the Holy Family [December 31, 2017] Luke 2:22-40

“They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Luk 2:22 NAB)”

holy family 1Today, the Church is celebrating the feast of the Holy Family. Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary are man and woman regarded as the holiest among mortals. And the center of their family is Jesus, the Son of God. They are not only one holy family among others, but they are the perfection of the Holy Family. Looking at our own families, we realize we are nothing to compare to this Holy Family. We are called to be holy like them, but we continue to struggle and fail. Nobody among us is immaculately conceived like the Virgin Mary. No woman among us gives birth to the Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Many of us surely love to sleep, but who among us like St. Joseph, receive genuine appearance of the Angel in our dream? Despite our best efforts, we keep hurting each other, failing each other, and are far from the ideal example of the Holy Family.

However, the point of the Holy Family is not so much on the goodness of individual members. It is not about the greatness of Mary who is blessed among women. It is not about the righteousness of Joseph who faithfully follows the Law of Moses. Yet, it is about the grace and mercy of God, and how they open themselves to these gifts of God. If we examine carefully the Bible and the socio-historical context of the first century Palestine, we discover that Joseph and Mary are hardly capable and prepared parents for Jesus. Despite coming from David’s clan, Joseph is a poor carpenter from Nazareth. Mary is a very young woman, and just barely ready for pregnancy, let alone for childbearing and child-raising. God makes a very risky choice to entrust His only Son to this couple.

Joseph is indeed a righteous man because he knows and lives by the Law of Moses, yet when he learns that Mary is with a child that is not his, he must have felt betrayal and deep pain. To satisfy his anger, he could have openly accused Mary of adultery and let the public stone her, but his mercy prevails, he decides to secretly divorce Mary as to save her life and the baby. However, adding salt to the wound, the Angel orders Joseph to take Mary as his wife. This means Joseph will have to acknowledge the child as his own, and he will live with a dishonor as one who violates a virgin before the marriage. The same thing with Mary. Despite her inability to understand the virginal conception of Jesus, she is aware that having a child outside marriage means shame and even death. Thus, this means their lives become easier. Hardly! Simeon warns Mary that a sword will pierce her soul. Mary will see her own son treated like an animal and crucified. Joseph has to work harder to provide for Jesus and Mary, and continue to bear the stigma. Holy spouses do not have a convenient life even with Jesus in their midst. Yet, both Mary and Joseph agree to the plan of God, and let the grace of God fill their lives, and this makes them holy.

We realize that building a holy family is a tough vocation. Like Joseph and Mary, we are going to face difficult problems, from financial instability to personal disagreements, and relying on our own strength, we will surely fall. Yet, like Mary and Joseph, we open ourselves to the grace of God, because when God calls us to holiness in the family, He surely will bring us all to the perfection.