Category: English

Fasting

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First Sunday of Lent [February 18, 2018] Mark 1:12-15

“The Spirit drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days… (Mk 1:12-13)”

small-groupThe practice of fasting is as old as humanity itself. People from different cultures and religions have included fasting in their customs and traditions. The Brahmin and gurus of Hindu tradition fast and mortify their bodies. The Buddhist monks are known to abstain from eating any meat and fast regularly. Our Muslim brothers and sisters fast even from drinking water from before the dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. Scientists have proven that fasting has a lot of health benefits.

People refrain themselves from taking food and water for certain period for different reasons and motives. Some fast to subdue the carnal desires and discipline themselves. Others find it as a way to attain wisdom and enlightenment. The others are to achieve healthy and balanced lives. Others still are required to fast as medical requirements or tests. I remember once my physician-friend requires me to fast for 6 to 8 hours before my blood was extracted for the laboratory examination.

As we enter the liturgical season of Lent, the Church instructs us to do fast and abstinence, and intensify our prayer. Yet, compared to other traditions, our fasting is considered to be very light. We are only required to fast for two days, the Ash Wednesday and the Good Friday. The way we fast also is not that difficult. We are enjoined to take only one full meal within the day. Yet, why do we, Christians, have to fast? Why does the Church want us to commit ourselves to this ancient practice?

One reason is we follow the example of the great prophets before us. Moses fasts for 40 days before he receives the Law from God in the mount of Sinai (Exo 34:28). Elijah on his part fasts from food when he walks 40 days to see God in the mount of Horeb (1 King 19:8). Finally, Jesus Himself goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days in the desert just before He commences His public ministry. Why do these great persons in our faith fast? If we carefully notice, Moses and Elijah fast because they prepare themselves to see the Lord. Like them, our fasting, as simple as they may be, is linked fundamentally to our journey towards God. Often we are so proud of ourselves, feeling self-sufficient because we have achieved and accumulated a lot in our lives. Fasting makes us hunger and weak, and once again we are getting in touch with our vulnerability as human beings. It reminds us our finitude. Yet, when we feel powerless, it is the time when we realize our radical dependence on God, our true strength. Indeed being truly human is being truly connected to God, the source of our humanity and life. Fasting becomes a good means to purify our hearts to see God because only “the pure hearts can see the Lord (Mat 5:8).”

We also observe that Moses, Elijah, and Jesus fast just before they begin their big missions. Moses receives the Law and teaches it to the Israelites. Elijah is to anoint Hazael as a king of Aram, Jehu as a king of Israel, and Elisha as a prophet. Jesus is to begin His public ministry that will lead Him to the cross and resurrection, our salvation. Our fasting prepares us for our true mission as Christians. Often, we are busy with so many things, and fasting helps us to re-orient and re-focus ourselves on the mission God has given us. Reminded of our limited time here on earth, what are things that are truly important in our lives? Reminded of our mortal body, have we given enough time and effort to our missions? Is our fasting bringing us closer to God and our mission?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Ash: a Biblical Reflection

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Ash Wednesday 2018 [February 14, 2018] Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

“For you are dust, and to dust, you shall return. (Gen. 3:19)”

dustAsh Wednesday is the beginning of the liturgical session of Lent in the Catholic Church. Its name derives from an ancient tradition of the imposition of the ashes. Every Catholic who attends the mass on this day will receive a sign of the cross made of ashes on his or her forehead. The ashes are ordinarily coming from the burned palm leaves blessed at the Palm Sunday of the previous year.

Why ashes? Is it in the Bible?

In the Bible, ash (or dust) symbolizes our mortal and fragile humanity. We recall how God created humanity from the dust of the earth (Gen 2:7). Indeed, after Adam committed the first act of disobedience, God reminded Adam of his finite nature, “For you are dust, and to dust, you shall return. (Gen. 3:19)” Because of sin, death upset the creation and brought Adam and all his children back to the ground. Thus, when a priest imposes ashes on our foreheads with the same formula, it becomes a poignant reminder of who we are. Human as we are, relying on our own strength and ability, despite our success, glory, and pride, will die and go back to the earth.

Ash is also a mark of grief, humility, and repentance. After the preaching of Jonah, the people of Nineveh repented, and they wore sackcloth and sat on ashes, begging forgiveness (Jon 3:5-6). Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the citizen of Jerusalem assembled and asked for God’s forgiveness. They all gathered together “while fasting and wearing sackcloth, their heads covered with dust (Neh 9:1).  That explains why the priest also says, “repent and believe in the Gospel!” while imposing the ashes on our foreheads. Just like the ancient Israelites, it is a sign and invitation for us to change our lives and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.

The cross of ash is the sign of our finite humanity, and even death. Paradoxically, however, it also turns to be a symbol of our true strength and life. When we realize and acknowledge that we are mere ashes in God’s hands, it is also the time we become once again truly alive. Just as God breathed His spirit in the first human made of dust, so God gives us His grace that enables us to participate in His divine life. We are truly alive precisely because we are now sharing in God’s life. The cross of ashes turns to be the moment of our re-creation. As St. Paul says, “it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.  (Gal. 2:20)”

Sometimes, the ash of repentance brings us sadness and gloominess as we reflect our sinfulness and frailty. As today is the day of fasting and abstinence, we also feel hungry and lethargic. Yet, it must not stop there. It should lead us to the Gospel, the Good News. It is Good News because we are now saved and alive! When we repent, we remove all things make our lives heavy, things that turn us away from God. We become once again light and energetic. As we turn ourselves to God, who is the source of life, we cannot but become alive and full of joy. It is ash that leads us to the Gospel, the joy of the Gospel.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Leprosy

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The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time [February 11, 2018] Mark 1:40-45

“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean.” (Mk. 1:41)

touch the poor
photo by Harry Setianto Sunaryo, SJ

One of the greatest gifts that humanity has received is the gift of touch. We are created as bodily being, and biology tells us that practically all our body surface is covered by fabric nerve that receives the external stimulates like heat, pleasure, and pain. It is the first step in our survival mechanism as it helps us to identify the approaching dangers or threats. Yet, it is the first step also in our authentic growth as human beings. A baby will feel loved when she is embraced by her parents. A toddler who learns to walk will feel a sense of guidance and security when his father holds his hand. Even a grown-up man will need comfort and warm coming from his family.

 

If there is one thing that destroys this gift of touch, this is leprosy.  The disease will practically create a “walking death.”  Leprosy or also known as Hansen’ disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae that bring about severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damages around the body. The greatest injury that this disease inflicts is that a person loses the ability to feel external stimulates like pain. As a consequence, a leper gradually loses its limbs like his fingers, hair, nose, arms, and feet because of the unnoticed repeated injuries or untreated wounds. Yet, the most painful about this disease is that the stigma the lepers receive from their community. In the time of Jesus, lepers are expelled from their community because people fear to contract the infectious disease. Even, people consider leprosy as God’s punishment (see 2Chro 26:20). Because of that, a leper is not only biologically sick but ritually unclean, meaning he is not able to worship God as he is barred from entering the synagogue or the temple (see Lev 13). He must cry “Unclean, unclean!” to remind the people nearby not touch him, otherwise, the persons may become unclean as well. A person with leprosy is not only losing the gift of touch from his body, but also from his community and his God. No wonder, leprosy is the most dreaded disease in the ancient Israel society.

With this background, we may fully appreciate what Jesus does to the leprous man. He is stretching his hands and making a deliberate effort to touch him. Jesus does not only risk of contracting the disease, but Jesus may become ritually unclean. Yet, Jesus insists because He knows that the gift of touch is what the man needs most. Indeed, Jesus’ touch brings healing and restores the lost gift of touch. The man is able once more to feel the goodness of life, to re-enter his community, and to worship his God.

When we call Jesus as the savior, it means that by sacrificing His life, Jesus reestablishes the lost connection between us and our deepest selves, between us and our neighbors, and between us and our God. How does Jesus do it? With the gift of touch. Our God is indeed a spirit, but our God is not abstract. He becomes flesh so that we may fully experience His love, His touch. As His disciples, we are called to participate in God’s concrete love by expanding this love to others. Do we dare to touch people with modern-day leprosies, like poverty? Are we willing to restore the broken relationship in our lives? Are we eager to meet our God in prayer? Do we want to touch those who have been away from God and bring them back?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

 

Touch

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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time [February 4, 2018] Mark 1:29-39

“He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.  (Mk 1:31)”

touching nazareno
photo by Harry Setianto Sunaryo, SJ

In today’s Gospel, we listen to the first healing miracle of Jesus, and the first person whom Jesus heals is actually a woman, Peter’s mother-in-law. Notice also Jesus’ threefold actions to this woman: comes nearer, takes her by the hand, and raises her up. These three actions are powerful not only because it brings immediate healing, but through them, Jesus empowers the woman to stand on her feet and serve (Diakonia). After the angels ministered to Jesus in the desert (Mrk 1:13), the first human who ministers to Jesus is a woman and mother.

We are human beings, and the sense of touch is the most basic in our nature. Our eyes need to be in contact with light particles to see, our ears have to receive sound wave to ears, and all our body is covered by nerve fabric just right under our skin that recognizes basic information like heat, pain, and pleasure. It is beautifully designed for us not just to survive, but also to live life to the fullest. Thus, the touch or physical contact is fundamental to human life and relationship.

We indeed learn the first values and the beauty of life through touch. As a baby, we are embraced by our parents; we begin to grow in comfort, security, and love. Yet, touch is not only needed by babies and children, but also by mature men and women. A brother who is doing ministry in one of the hospitals in Manila is once told by his mentor that an adult person needs at least a quality hug a day. He might not cure the disease, but by being physically present to the patients, he may bring hope and comfort. We shake hands to express trust to one another, we kiss as a sign of love, and even in very physical sports and games, we nurture our friendships and camaraderie.

Sadly, because of our sins and weakness, we change this powerful touch into an instrument of destruction and dehumanization. Many of our brothers and especially our sisters become victims of this inhuman touch. Many women and children receive physical and sexual abuses even inside their own houses. Many fall victim into prostitution, modern-day slavery, and child labor. Young children, instead of going to school and receiving kisses from their parent, are holding weapons to kill other children. Young women, instead of finishing their education and enjoying their youth, have to offer their bodies to feed their families. Young men, instead of taking care of their families, get into drug-addiction as to cope with joblessness and poverty.

Jesus shows us how powerful our touch is and He invites us to reclaim this power as to bring healing and empowerment, especially to those who have been suffering from this dehumanizing touch. Do our touch and action bring healing to our family and society? Does our touch empower people around us? Does our touch lead others to serve God?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

To Teach, to Exorcise, to Heal

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4th Sunday in Ordinary Time [January 28, 2018] Mark 1:21-28

 “Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. (Mk. 1:21)”

healing ministry
photo by Harry Setianto Sunaryo, SJ

After calling the disciples, Jesus begins his ministry proper in Capernaum. There, Jesus performs a threefold task: teaching, exorcism (driving away the evil spirits) and healing. On the Sabbath, He immediately enters the synagogue and teaches with authority. He faces the unclean spirits who possess a man and rebukes them to leave. And in the next Sunday’s reading, he heals Peter’s mother-in-law (Mk. 1:29-39). All these he does with authority.

 

This threefold task is fundamental to the ministry of Jesus, and in the succeeding Sundays, we will listen to many of these actions. Why are these fundamental to Jesus? The answer is because these three aspects make Jesus’ ministry a holistic one. Teaching is to form a sound mind, to drive away evil spirits is to build a holy spiritual life, and healing is to empower our bodies. It is precisely the Good News because the salvation Jesus brings covers all aspects of our humanity. As His disciples, we are all called to preach, drive evil spirits, and to heal.

Healing deals with the health of our bodies. It is true that we do not have the gift of healing, but all are called to respect our bodies and thus, to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid those things that will make us sick, like unnecessary stress and unhealthy food. To respect our bodies flows from the recognition that our bodies are the gift of God and as St. Paul says, “the Temple of the Holy Spirit.” Thus, abuse of our bodies means disrespecting the God who created us, and the Holy Spirit who gives us life. Yet, healing is not limited to our bodies but also includes healing our neighbors. It is to make sure that our brothers and sister have something to eat, something to clothe their bodies and a place to rest their bodies. It is not only to heal our own bodies but our society as well.

Exorcism is truly a special ministry in the Church, and only delegated to few people under the authority of the bishops, but every Christian is called to drive away evil spirits in their lives and hearts. It is our sacred duty to live holy lives, to receive the sacraments frequently, and to pray fervently. These are the ways to get closer to God, and thus, enable us to have healthy spiritual lives. To drive away evils also means to free ourselves from the bondage of sins and vices. It is a kind of spiritual healing. The devil sometimes possesses our bodies, but most of the time, he possesses our hearts. Our excessive attachment to things, like money, sexual pleasure, prestige, is a manifestation of evil spirits working in our hearts.

It is true that not all are teachers by profession, but we are called to form our minds and other peoples’ mind as well. It is fundamental for the parents to teach the basic Christian values, like honesty, fidelity, and compassion, to their young children. It is also important to habitually reflect on our characters, to correct bad habits, and to improve ourselves. After all, education is not only transfer of information, but the formation of characters. Thus, a right understanding of self will affect the way we act. I have been faithfully attending the Eucharist since my childhood, but when I learn more about its theology, history and its rootedness in the Scriptures and Christ Himself, the more I fall in love with the Eucharist.

We are the disciples of Christ, and it is our sacred mission and honor to participate in His threefold ministry in our sown ways and lives: to teach, to drive evil spirits and to heal.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Come after Me!

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3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Feast of Sto. Niño in the Philippines) January 21, 2018 [Mark 1:16-20*]

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men (Mar 1:17)”

gazing cross
photo by Harry Setianto Sunaryo, SJ

Jesus begins His public ministry by calling His first disciples to follow Him. In ancient Palestine, to become a student of a particular teacher means to follow him wherever he goes and stays. In fact, the Greek words used is “deute hopiso”, that means “come after me” because the disciples are expected to literally walk few steps behind Jesus. No wonder, that when the four first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John, are called, they have to leave practically everything behind, their works, their family and their hometowns. Thus, to become Jesus’ disciples are a radical commitment that entails great sacrifices.

However, if we bring back the life of radical discipleship to our time, who among us will be able to follow that call? How many among us will be willing to leave behind our work, family, and hometown for the sake of Christ? Not many. Only a few people are entering the monasteries or the convents. Even, those who are already members of religious congregations, we are allowed to keep in touch with their family. I myself am able to have a vacation every year and visit my family. It seems that the total discipleship remains a far-reached ideal for many of us.

While it is true that this kind of life is genuinely difficult and rare, yet we believe that the life of a true disciple is also available for all of us. The Gospel tells us that the first disciples leave many things behind, but actually, the disciples do also bring something with them when they decide to walk after Jesus. They carry “themselves”, the totality of their own persons. Within this person are their characters, knowledge, skills, ideals, and dreams. In short, they also carry with them their profession, their family, and homeland. This is why Jesus does not only call Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, but He also is going to make them “the fishers of men.” Jesus knows that these guys are one of the best fishermen in the Galilee, and now Jesus invites them to offer the best they have for God’s purposes. To follow Jesus is not leaving everything behind as much as offering ourselves to the Lord.

When St. Dominic de Guzman preached against the heresy in the Southern French, he left the comfort of his church in Osma, Spain. Yet, when he preached, he brought along all the skills and knowledge he learned as a canon in Osma, and as a student at the University of Valencia. He left everything and yet, paradoxically, he brought everything when he founded the first religious Order that was dedicated for preaching in the Church.

We may not be able to leave our family, our profession, and hometown because we are responsible for the lives of our family and relatives, but with the same spirit, we can radically follow Jesus, by offering ourselves for God’s purposes. As parents in the family, what do we give to God, which may build a solid Christian family? As part of the Church, what do we surrender to Jesus, which may help her growth in the world? As members of society, what do we offer to the Lord, which may contribute to a just and growing society?

Today, the Church in the Philippines is celebrating the feast of Sto. Niño, or the Child Jesus. The image of Sto. Niño is the first to be introduced to the Filipino people, and His intercession has been very instrumental to the evangelization of this country. We pray to Sto. Niño that our self-offering may bear fruits wherever we are sent and live.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

*the reading is taken from the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Come and Experience!

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Second Sunday in the Ordinary Time [January 14, 2018] John 1:35-42

They said to him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”  (Jn 1:38-39)

children praying
photo by Harry Setianto Sunaryo, SJ

In the Gospel of John, we will not discover the word “apostle” or one who is sent to preach the Gospel. John the Evangelist consistently calls those who faithfully gather around Jesus as the disciples. Why so? Perhaps, John the Evangelist wants to show us that the most important and fundamental aspect of being a follower of Jesus is truly to be a disciple.

What is a disciple in the time of Jesus? We usually understand a student as one who studies at a particular school with its buildings, facilities and system of learning. Like Br. Bayu is a student of the University of Santo Tomas, and every Monday to Friday, he has to attend classes at the Manila campus. I am expected to learn particular knowledge, like the theology of St. Paul or master certain skills like preaching. At the end of the semester, I need to pass the exams in order to prove that I have learned those set of knowledge or skills. If I fail, I have to take a remedial or retake the subject all over again. Surely, this is a simplistic way of imagining learning in our time, but if we want to be a disciple in the time of Jesus, we have to enter a different world.

When Andrew and Peter become the disciples of Jesus, it does not mean that they will attend lectures of Jesus. They literally follow Jesus wherever Jesus goes. That is why the first question Andrew asks is not how much the tuition fee is or what lesson Jesus will impart, but rather “Rabbi, where are you staying?” because it is clear in the mind of Andrew that if he wants to become a disciple, he has to follow Jesus literally for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He is going to walk where Jesus goes, eat what Jesus eats, to sleep where Jesus lays His head, to experience what Jesus experiences, the joy, sadness, the suffering, and resurrection! Learning then is not simply about gaining knowledge or skills, but it is about sharing life, giving and receiving life.

It is interesting also to note that Jesus’ response to Andrew is oft-quoted “come and see”, yet in some ancient Greek manuscripts the words used are “erkesthe kai opheste ”. If they are translated literally, it sounds like “come and experience!” To become a disciple is to experience the life of Jesus, to experience Jesus Himself. Surely, it is a total experience of Jesus. Thus, the end of learning is not the grades, but a new life in the likeness of Jesus, the Master. It is the imitation of Christ in the real sense.

However, to become this kind of disciple, the price is also extremely high. To follow and experience Jesus’ life, we need to give up our lives. A life for life. We cannot be the disciples of Jesus only 8 AM to 3 PM, but the rest of the day, we are free.  We cannot say that we are disciples of Jesus when we are at the Church only, but not in the workplaces and homes. We become like Jesus both in good times and bad times. The questions now are: Are we willing to sacrifice our old lives? Are we ready to follow Jesus day and night? Are we making our full effort to become like Christ?

Br. 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

 

Why still Going to the Church on January 1?

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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

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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.