18th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

August 1, 2021

John 6:24-35

The people were looking for Jesus because they wanted to eat the bread more. They wished that their stomach would be filled. Jesus reminded them that they should not seek food that perishes but for food that endures eternal life. Unfortunately, people failed to understand. They thought it was like Old Testament’s manna constantly given to the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years. There would be bread for every day for the rest of their lives.

Going back to the Old Testament, we listen to the story of the Israelites who complained because they were hungry. However, just a few hours before, they just witnessed how God parted the red sea and destroyed the mighty Egyptian force through Moses. They knew well how God brought the Egyptians to their knees. Yet, when their stomachs were empty, they forgot all of this and demanded the return to the land of slavery. They even accused God of plotting their death in the wilderness. When it comes to survival instinct, the Israelites were too eager to embrace slavery rather than stay loyal to the God of freedom.

Jesus reminds us that there is more to life than filling our stomachs. Indeed, it is essential to eat and nourish our bodies, but even this physical food is also coming from God’s providence. Often, we are too preoccupied to look for earthly bread in its various forms, successful careers, political influence, fame, and wealth. We seek these things to the point that we are willing to go back to the slavery of sin and abandon the God of freedom.

This time of the pandemic, we might find ourselves in the position of the Israelites. Some of us are hungry because we are just losing our economic stability. Some of us are battling sickness. Some of us are losing our beloved family members. Some of us cannot do what we used to love to do. Some of us cannot go to the Church and do our services. In these dire needs, we are facing the temptation to complain against the Lord. We may get disappointed and angry with the Lord. We are more ready to abandon the Lord. We easily forget the mighty deeds the Lord has wrought in our lives. Like our ancestors, the Israelites, we are absorbed in our sufferings and blaming God for our misfortunes. We forget our God who allows this suffering is the God who controls the forces of nature.

Let us learn from the saints. Ignatius of Loyola is one of the excellent examples. He used to be a man who hungered for worldly glory. He put his life in the line to prove his gallantry in the siege of Pamplona. Yet, when his legs were severely wounded and permanently limped, his ambitions were scattered. Yet, at the same time, he read the lives of Christ and the saints, and he realized that the greater glory that the world could ever offer. The true path of grandeur is to work for the greater glory of God. He left everything and worked for the food that will not perish. Eventually, he ended up as a saint.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]
July 25, 2021
John 6:1-15

The miracle of the multiplication of the bread is one of the few stories that recorded by the four evangelists. The event must be impressively memorable and powerful for the disciples and other witnesses. Why did the four evangelists opt to include this story in their gospels?

There are many possible motives, but one obvious reason is that the story of the multiplication of the bread serves as a sign to the greater miracle, the Eucharist. If we try to observe the details of the story, we will discover some striking similarities with the happening in the Last Supper of the Lord, the first Eucharist. One special action is that Jesus ordered to them to recline. To ask a classroom of 40 students to take their seats is tough job, and here Jesus asked five thousand men not only to sit, but to recline! Yet, John the evangelist did not tell us that the people turned to be chaotic, and all seemed to be fine and smooth.

This gesture of reclining seems to be ordinary, yet in ancient time, to recline is to be able to rest, and in fact, it is the gesture of a freeman. Slave was expected to serve when their masters eat, and they would spend most of their time doing labor, thus, they did not have much time to enjoy their meals, lest to recline. By asking the people to recline, Jesus was giving them the rest they truly desired.

The gesture of reclining while enjoying the food was a typical ancient way to have a banquet. The host and the guests would share a low table that they may recline, consume the meals, share stories, and enjoy the entertainments. Jesus Himself often was invited to attend such banquets [see Luk 7:36]. By asking the people to recline and offer them food, Jesus acted as the host of great banquet, and the people were His honored guests.

Lastly, when Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and gave it to the people, our catholic instinct should immediately tingle. These are the actions in the Eucharist. Yet, St. John added another important detail: reclining. The gesture of reclining is the same gesture the disciples had in the Last Supper [See John 13:12]. In a sense, the people who reclined and received the bread from Jesus were sharing in the first the Eucharist of Jesus.

Every time we participate in the Eucharist, surely, we are expected not to recline on the altar! Yet, we receive even greater gifts than five thousand people from the gospel. Not only we have a break from our works and chores on Sunday, but we enjoy the true rest in God. We are reminded that of our purpose is not simply here on earth, but in God. Not only we attend a religious service, but we become part of the divine banquet of God’s children. We are not slave to our works, to this world, to power of darkness, but men and women freed by God’s grace. Not only we partake in physical food, but the bread of life, Jesus Christ Himself. Truly, the Eucharist is heaven on earth.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

July 18, 2021

Mark 6:30-34

Last week, we listened to the stories of Jesus sending His disciples. This Sunday, we discover that the disciples have performed well and made their report back to Jesus. The mission was hugely successful. Many people were healed, and they longed to hear the word of God. The disciples became an instant sensation, and many people wanted to see them.

However, the creator of our nature recognized that the disciples are also human and not a bunch of superheroes. Their bodies, just like ours, needed rest. Jesus knew well that the disciples would get burnt out without enough rest, and they would develop physical and emotional problems. Jesus understood how essential rest is. Thus, as the Good Shepherd, Jesus brought his disciples to have a proper rest.

Why do we need rests? It is just something natural. As our bodies produce energy to spend for our activities, they also come out with wastes. Resting like sleeping is one of the biological mechanisms to dispose of unhealthy by-products. During our rest, our body repairs itself and recharges itself. Without sleep, we will experience physical and mental problems like fatigue, headache, emotional imbalance, anxiety, decreased immune system, depression, inability to concentrate, and eventually death.

Many people are living in the cities, and the demands of works and life are immensely insane. People are forced to work extremely hard and stay longer at work. These lead to sleep deprivation and other health issues. Often, this kind of mentality influences how we do and perceive our religious life. On the one hand, we tend to see that going to the church is just another obligation and burden that we need to carry. It is just additional work for us. On the other hand, we are also inclined to treat and measure our services and worship by the same standards we have in our workplaces. However, we miss the point.

To understand better why we need a rest, we shall go back to the creation story in the book of Genesis. God created the world in six days, and on the seventh day, God rested. Did God feel tired and need a rest? Surely, the almighty God did not need to rest. Then, why God created the 7th day and rested? The answer is that the seventh day is a rest day for us, man and woman. God invited Adam and Eve to rest with Him on the seventh day. From here, we understand that resting is not simply about our biological needs, but it is the purpose why we are created: Resting with God. Our bodily rest is fundamentally a reflection of our spiritual rests.

When Jesus invited his disciple to rest with Him, it was not only a physical recharge but a spiritual unity with Jesus. This is the same with us now. Our prayer life, our ministries, our worship are manifestations of our spiritual rests and unity with the Lord. It is heaven on earth. It is also a preparation for us to receive eternal rest.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

July 11, 2021

Mark 6:7-13

In today’s Gospel, Jesus called His disciples so that He may send them. Jesus commissioned them with threefold tasks: to drive out unclean spirits, preach repentance, and heal the sick with the anointing of the oil. Why did Jesus instruct these three missions? Jesus knew well that He dispatched the disciples not simply to teach faith or do some charitable services. Their real mission was to wage war against the real enemies of the kingdom of God: the kingdom of evil. To do this humanly impossible task, Jesus had entrusted them with divine authority over the demons and other fallen angels. Their mission was to destroy evil forces and win back people who lived under the influence of darkness. In short: the disciples were to win to souls.

When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, He has definitively won the war against the kingdom of Satan, and He has decisively destroyed its leading forces. However, the battles and skirmishes were raging on. The devil and cohorts continued to assault humanity and tried to reclaim the souls that have been consecrated to God. Thus, Jesus made the mission of His disciples something lasting until He comes again. As He commissioned the Twelve, he also sends His disciples to continue the faith and win more souls for Christ.

Then, how do we live up to this call of Jesus? Do we need to precisely imitate the apostles like we need to fight demons head-on and exorcise the demoniacs? Do we have to go around and start anointing the sick people with oil? Must we preach repentance at every corner of the streets? The answer is yes and no. Some of us, indeed, heal the people by anointing with oil. These people are called priests. Some of us have a special charism to expel demons. Some of us have the gift that empowers them to preach repentance and bring people into tears.

However, there is one universal way to do this mission against the kingdom of darkness. It is to reject Satan and His works in our lives and societies. The first and real battle is within us, within our families, and then our communities. We reject those activities that related to occultism and superstitious beliefs. We also refuse to participate in evil and corrupt activities in our workplaces and societies. At least, we know that there is one soul we save, that is, our souls and the souls of our family.

When I become a priest, one mission entrusted to me is to give the sacrament of holy anointing for the sick. Among other sacraments, I find the most fulfilment in this sacrament. Through this sacrament, I am sure that I have participated in God’s saving work to bring this soul to heaven. However, in this pandemic, I realize that I cannot do much for our parishioners who are in critical condition due to covid-19. I wish I could do more, and the reality hurts. Yet, it does not mean we are hopeless. This is when we storm heaven with prayers and fasting for the salvation of souls, and we must not allow the power of darkness to take their chances.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 4, 2021

Mark 6:1-6

Jesus went home to Nazareth and began to preach there. However, the initial amazement was quickly spiraling down, and the people of Nazareth got scandalized after making a few background checks on Jesus. They knew Jesus’ simple life, were aware of His profession and were familiar with His relatives. So, they concluded, “Nothing’s special!” 

When I entered Seminary, I was always pondering whether I would receive a rejection from my hometown’s people. Yet, when I was ordained, many people came and be joyfully part of the celebration. People from many places worldwide rejoice when one of their sons and daughters becomes a priest or religious man and woman.

Then, why did the people of Nazareth still reject Jesus? From a socio-anthropological perspective, Jesus was living in a time where people expected sons would continue their fathers’ trade or profession. If your father is a farmer, then you should become a farmer. If your father is a fisherman, then your life should not be far from the sea or the lake. Serving the Lord in the Temple is also a family affair, especially Aaron’s family from the tribe of Levi. Jesus was a carpenter’s son, and people expected Him to be a carpenter for the rest of His life. This identity was reinforced by the fact that he seemed to live an ordinary life and worked as a carpenter before He began to preach and perform miracles.

Facing this rejection, Jesus revealed a fundamental truth about the lives of true prophets, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place.” Jesus was referring to various prophets of Israel and how they faced brutal rejection from the people of Israel. Isaiah, for example, was persecuted, and according to the tradition, he was sown into two by order of wicked king Manasseh. According to the tradition, the people constantly rejected Jeremiah, and he was stoned to death in Egypt. In essence, Jesus was saying that as the archetype of all prophets, Jesus shall share in a lot of other prophets. The rejection in Nazareth is one small step toward much bigger rejections, the rejection of the elders of Israel, and our rejection.

Do we reject Christ? May we be no different from the people of Israel? Many of us would say that we accept and believe in Christ. Many of us are indeed active in various ministries and services in the Church. Yet, despite all of these, there is always a possibility we reject Christ. We reject Christ when we continue to live in sins. We abandon Christ when we make other things in our lives as priorities over Christ. We may deny the true Christ by having false ideas of Christ. We may refuse Christ when we expect God to fulfil all our wants. We may drive Christ away as we are putting ourselves in the center of our worship. 

The Gospel asks us a fundamental question: do we accept and believe in Jesus truly and fully, or are we just like the people of Nazareth who rejected Jesus?

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

June 27, 2021

Mark 5:21-43

In today’s Gospel, we encounter two persons who are seeking healing. One is Jairus, the synagogue’s official, who wants his dying daughter healed, and the second one is a woman who desires to be cured of her incurable haemorrhage. Both have done almost everything but in vain. Then, as their last hope, they turn to Jesus. They humbly beg Jesus and trust that Jesus can work miracles.

Often, we can relate to the situations of Jairus and the woman. Perhaps, like Jairus, we are panicking when we know our little children are having fever and experiencing pain. Maybe, like the woman with a haemorrhage, we are battling a particular illness. We try almost everything, spending a lot of money and enduring painful treatments, yet we are not getting any better. We realize how limited and fragile we are. We have no one to turn to but God, and we become instantly pious and start praying different novenas, attending the mass, and healing services. The thing is that while some of us may receive miraculous healing, some may not.

One of the best times during my seminary years is when I was assigned to the hospital as an associate chaplain. I had to visit different patients and attend to their spiritual needs. There, I talked to several people battling cancers for years. I listened to several men and women who were losing their kidneys and had to undergo countless dialysis. Initially, I thought I possessed the gift of healing, but after several intense prayers of healing, not much happened. I realized that I did not have the unique gift of healing, and it was a bit frustrating to learn that the conditions were not getting better. I finally asked, “why didn’t God answer our prayers?”

Yet, as I journey together with them, each one has a story to share and has a face to show. They were not just a man with cancer or patient B21, but a real person with real name and real life. It is only when I see deeper in each story, in each tear, in each pain, I gradually discover the presence of God. God’s love is felt through the care of selfless family members. His hope is heard through the effort of tireless doctors and nurses. His presence is inside those people who continue to offer me a smile despite the pain they endure.

Jesus indeed healed Jairus’ daughter and the woman, but He did not come to cure every illness in the world. His healing is beyond mere physical wellness. He comes so that we receive salvation and eternal life. He comes so that we may touch and feel God’s love in our midst, and His graces empower us to love beyond our imagination. Indeed, we may not find physical healing, but we may discover what is truly essential in life. Wealth can quickly disappear, success can be instantly blown away, and physical appearance can deteriorate, but faith, hope and love remain. Indeed, we may not see our beloved getting better, but we are allowed to love, serve and sacrifice beyond human limitations. In sickness and even death, if we have faith in God, we grow and find the fullness of life.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

The Lord of the Storms

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

June 20, 2021

Mark 4:35-41

In today’s Gospel, Jesus and His disciples crossed the sea of Galilea. The lake of Galilea was a body of fresh water in northern Israel. The lake provided a fish famously named after St. Peter and a connecting water highway to different towns around the lake. It has become the socio-economic center of Galilea. No wonder many people living here were fishermen, including some of Jesus’ disciples. Many of them spent their adult lives in and around the sea of Galilea. The lake was their home and their livelihood. However, there were times that the lake behaved in unpredictable ways and turned to be a place of great danger. Even Simon and James, the most seasoned fishermen, were powerless before the mighty storm. Their home soon may become their graveyard.

The disciples saw Jesus sleeping, and indeed, it was a weird scene to behold. Yet, the disciples instinctively woke their Master up and expressed their fear. Jesus responded to their call and ordered the wind and the sea to calm down. The sea and the wind immediately obeyed! Jesus proved Himself not just as the wonder-healer, but He is the Master of nature and creations. In the Old Testament, only God stands above the mighty waters. Only God can control and command the ocean because God is their creator. Seeing this phenomenal display of power, the disciples became more afraid. They were not only facing the storm, but they are encountering the Lord of the storms.

Often, we are like the apostles sailing through our familiar territory, yet we suddenly face unexpected and crushing storms. We believe that we are doing fine in our works or business, but surprisingly the pandemic hits us hard, and we are losing our financial stability. We used to have a great family and relatives, but suddenly, we must face a bitter reality that covid-19 kills one of our loved ones. We are having a wonderful and growing ministry and community, but now, we cannot gather and serve, and we are losing our direction.

We are afraid, and we are disoriented. Perhaps, we need to do what the apostles did: to call louder and cry harder to God. Yet, to our surprise, the Lord of all storms is just there with us in the same boat all along. He allows us to face mighty storms, to test our faith. Yet, He never leaves us but just appeared to be sleeping.

As a priest, the most challenging moment in my ministry is when I need to preach in a funeral mass for those people who die an untimely death. What should I say to the parents? What should I offer when God seems to be silent? What shall I bring when prayers seem unanswered? As I struggle with the mystery of suffering and death, Iike the pious Job, I ask the Lord for the answer. And just like to the disciples, Jesus’ response is, “Why are you afraid? Do you not yet have faith?” Through these times of crisis and trials, we are called to have even greater faith to see that even the most tremendous storms in our lives are under His command, and these take place as His providential care for us.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]
June 13, 2021
Mark 4:25-34

The Kingdom of God is arguably the core of Jesus’ gospel. At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, His first sentence was, “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel [Mar 1:15].” Jesus’ mission is certainly to express love, save us from our sins, and so we will be able to partake in the life of God. To achieve this mission, He was establishing the Kingdom of God. Since Jesus is God, we can say that the Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Jesus. No wonders, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King because He is the head of the Kingdom of God.

Yet, the real question is, what is the Kingdom of God? We shall go back a little to the Old Testament. In 2 Samuel 7, David was planning to build the house of God, the Temple in Jerusalem, but God, through the prophet Nathan, told David that instead of David constructing God’s house, it was God who would build the house of David. God promised that God would establish the Kingdom of David’s son, and the throne of his Kingdom would reign forever. However, if we learn the history, we are aware that after Solomon, the Kingdom of David was divided and declining. The northern Kingdom was demolished in 721 BC by the Assyrian empire, and the southern Kingdom was destroyed in 587 BC by the Babylonian superpower. Many Israelites were exiled and deported far from their homeland. Where was the promise of God to David?

Thus, when Jesus came and preached the Kingdom, many Jews were asking, “Is this the promised Kingdom? Is He for the real deal or just another mad man?” To the public, Jesus did not give a straightforward answer but parables. These parables both hide and reveal the truth of the Kingdom of God. For those who hated Jesus, these parables were just bizarre stories. For those who expected Jesus to be the militaristic messiah, these parables were confusing. ‘The kingdom of God should be like a mighty cedar tree, not like a mustard!’ However, for those disciples who believed in Jesus, these parables revealed the great mystery of the Kingdom.

Introducing the Kingdom of God like a mustard seed indeed shocked the people who hoped for the empires like Egypt or Rome. Surprisingly, the Kingdom of Jesus indeed behaved like mustard. It began with Jesus and His small and imperfect companions, but it gradually and slowly filled the whole world. The Kingdom does not conquer other nations with military and political maneuvering, and, like its head, the Kingdom has been subjected to countless cruel persecutions. However, despite the setback and trials, the Kingdom continues to grow and become the most prominent human community on the earth.

As part of the Kingdom of God, this is excellent news. We do not have to believe that we are majestic oak tree or mighty cedar and think that we can do everything with our strength. Otherwise, when we fail, we will get depressed. Yet, if we consider ourselves nothing but mustard seeds, we allow trials and failures to be part of our lives and let God work wonders. That is how amazing our God is.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP