Tag: christianity

Words from the Hearts

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C]

March 2, 2025

Luke 6:39-45

The Book of Sirach tells us, “Praise no one before he speaks, for it is then that people are tested (27:7).” This means that to truly know someone, we must listen to their words, as their words reveal much about who they are. Indeed, our words unveil many aspects of our lives. From the choice of our words, others can gauge our knowledge and intellectual capacity. The way we speak can also reveal some of our dominant characteristics. Furthermore, our words express our beliefs and what we hold dear.

However, expressing words is just one side of the story, for words can also be used to deceive and manipulate. We can use words to lead people to believe something about us that might not be true. We can say things that hide parts of ourselves. We can utter words that are pleasing and encouraging, with the aim of gaining favor from others.

Ancient people long recognized the power of words and developed an art called “rhetoric” (literally, the art of speaking or the art of persuasion). Aristotle wrote his classic manual on rhetoric around 350 BC, while teaching at his school, the Lyceum, in ancient Athens. His manual became the standard for many orators who sought to convince, persuade, and influence people. Aristotle identified three elements of rhetoric: ethos (credibility of the speaker), logos (logical argument), and pathos (emotional appeal to the audience). A good orator must incorporate all three elements in their speech.

Unfortunately, many people are easily persuaded by pathos alone, since we enjoy hearing dramatic, even bombastic words—those that are pleasing to us. We tend to avoid painful or unpleasing words. Naturally, we dislike people who speak critically about us, regardless of their ethos, logos, or even veritas (truth). At times, we follow and even idolize someone because we are “hypnotized” by their words, assuming they are credible, truthful, and even “saintly.” We may then refuse to acknowledge evidence that their words are not truthful or even harmful for us.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that “from the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luk 6:45).” What is in our hearts is reflected in our words. If our hearts are filled with evil, our words may sound sweet, but they can be manipulative and self-serving. If our hearts are filled with genuine love for others, our words may not always be easy to hear, but they will be for the authentic good of those we love. Jesus’ words to His disciples are not always sweet and often difficult to accept. Phrases like “love your enemies (Luk 6:27),” “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother (Mat 19:18),” “sell your goods and give to the poor (Luk 18:22),” and “unless you eat my body, you will not have life (John 6:53)” are hard to digest, but they are meant for our ultimate good—our salvation.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guiding Questions:

What is in our hearts? Are our thoughts good, pure, and noble, or are they selfish, malicious, and evil? How do we use our words? Do we use words that encourage or discourage? Do we build people up or tear them down? Do we follow Jesus, even when His words are difficult?

God’s Holiness

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C]
February 9, 2025
Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

In the first reading, we encounter the story of Isaiah, who was called to be God’s prophet. Isaiah saw the heavenly Temple, where the Seraphim, the highest of angels, proclaimed: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!” Through the mouths of the Seraphim, the Bible reveals one of God’s most fundamental characteristics—His holiness. In another passage, God explicitly commands us: “Be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). But what does it mean to be holy? Why is the word repeated three times? And how can we achieve holiness?

In the Bible, the word “holy” (קָדוֹשׁ, read: kadosh) can be understood as something that belongs to God. Holy places, times, objects, and people are those set apart for the Lord. Since they belong to Him, they are separated from things that are not of God. The process of transitioning from the non-holy to the holy is often called consecration or sanctification.

But what does it mean when we say that God is holy? In Scripture, “holy” is the most frequently used word to describe the God of Israel. Often, it is repeated three times, as in Isaiah’s vision. This is a common Semitic way of expressing the superlative—in other words, saying “the holiest.” Holiness, when applied to God, means:

  1. Transcendence – God is completely different from His creation. He is perfect; we are not. He is all-powerful; we are weak. He is all-knowing; we understand only a fraction of reality.
  2. Immanence – Despite His transcendence, God is not distant. He is intimately involved in history, in our lives, and in our daily struggles. He is a God who gives life, cares for us, and loves His creation.
  3. Moral Perfection – God’s holiness also refers to His absolute justice and righteousness. Every action of His is good and just.

When God calls us to be holy as He is holy, He invites us to share in His perfection. But how can we, as imperfect beings, ever reach such a standard? At first glance, this command might seem impossible. And indeed, it is—if we rely solely on our own strength. But with God, nothing is impossible. Holiness is only achievable when we are united with Him and rely on His grace.

It is humanly impossible to love our spouse through sickness, trials, and economic hardship—but God’s grace strengthens us to love until the end. It is humanly impossible to remain faithful to one’s vocation—but with God’s grace, the impossible becomes possible. It is humanly impossible to forgive and do good to those who have hurt us—but God’s grace makes reconciliation and healing attainable.

However, the life of grace is not automatic. We must do our part to allow God’s grace to transform us. This is why it is essential to: Pray faithfully, Read the Bible regularly, Participate in the Eucharist every Sunday with reverence, Go to confession frequently. These practices open our hearts to receive God’s grace, allowing us to grow in holiness. Indeed, holiness is impossible without God, but God also desires that we freely participate in His holiness.

Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection Questions
Do we truly desire to live a holy life? Do we freely invite God into our lives? How do we cultivate holiness in our daily routines? Have we experienced God’s grace in our lives? How?

Jesus and Mary, our Wedding Guests

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time [C}

January 19, 2025

John 2:1-12

In every wedding, we naturally expect the bridegroom and bride to take center stage. After all, it is their marriage—their happiest moment. However, the story of the wedding at Cana in Galilee offers us a different perspective, one that is often overlooked. What is it?

The wedding at Cana is not primarily about the bride and groom. Surprisingly, their names are never mentioned, and they barely feature in the story. The only time the bridegroom is mentioned is when he is praised for providing an abundant supply of high-quality wine. Instead, this Gospel account focuses on Jesus and His interaction with Mary, His mother. It reveals a deeper truth about Christian marriages that transcends the visible celebration.

The story begins with an introduction: Jesus’ mother, Jesus Himself, and His disciples are invited to the wedding. This detail carries profound significance. Whom do we invite to our wedding? Too often, we focus only on ourselves—preparing the venue, planning ceremonies and programs, selecting food, and choosing the perfect wedding attire. We become preoccupied with pleasing relatives, friends, and guests. But do we make it a priority to invite Jesus and His mother to our wedding?

Many of us might respond, “Yes! We invite Jesus to our wedding because it takes place in the Church!” Yet, is Jesus truly present in our hearts? For some, the wedding is held in a church simply because we happen to be Catholic. Others choose a church wedding for its beauty or prestige. Many attend pre-marriage catechetical courses merely out of obligation, complying with diocesan requirements to secure a church wedding. But how many of us make a conscious and heartfelt effort to truly invite Jesus to our wedding? Do we spiritually prepare for the sacrament through retreats or confession? Do we ask for His grace and guidance as we embark on this sacred journey?

The story of the wedding at Cana also highlights Mary’s unique role. She notices the wine is running out and alerts Jesus to the problem. After a brief exchange, she instructs the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” This leads to Jesus performing His first miracle. These events reveal Mary’s deep involvement in the wedding. She is not just an ordinary guest; she has access to the inner workings of the household and is aware of the practical needs, such as the shortage of wine. Instead of informing the bridegroom or his family, she turns to Jesus. Out of love for His mother, Jesus uses the simple resources available—water—and transforms them into the finest wine.

This truth is both profound and beautiful. If we want the “best wine” in our marriage, it is essential not only to invite Jesus and Mary to our wedding day but to welcome them into our “kitchen,” and to allow them to be involved in everyday moments of our lives. The Gospel reminds us that the best wine comes from ordinary water. In the same way, the greatest blessings in marriage often arise from simple, unseen acts of love for our spouse and children.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection Questions

Have we truly invited Jesus and Mary into our marriage, family, and daily lives? Do we recognize Jesus working miracles in our marriages? Have we entrusted our marriage and family to the care of Mary?

What is Baptism?

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

The Baptism of the Lord [C]

January 12, 2025

Luke 3:15–16, 21–22

Jesus began His public ministry after being baptized by John the Baptist. Similarly, we start our new lives as God’s children and begin following Jesus on His path of the cross through baptism. But what exactly is baptism, and why is it associated with the beginning of something so important?

Jewish Ritual Purity

The Greek word “βαπτίζειν” (baptizein) originally means “to dip into water” or “to wash with water.” In the Old Testament, particularly in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), βαπτίζειν refers to the rite of purification (e.g., Judith 12:7). What is this rite of purification in the Old Testament? To understand it, we need to recognize that ancient Israel adhered to the concept of ritual purity or cleanliness.

Although not strictly moral in nature, the purity laws were integral to the Torah. These laws determined whether a Jew was ritually clean or unclean. When Jews were considered “pure,” they could enter holy places like the Temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices. Offering sacrifices enabled them to worship the Lord God and receive blessings, such as the forgiveness of sins and communion with God and fellow believers.

A Jew could become impure through physical contact with various things, such as: dead bodies, bodily discharges (e.g., menstrual blood, male semen), certain animals (e.g., pigs, camels, or specific insects), and skin diseases. If they became impure, they needed to perform a ritual cleansing, typically by washing with water (βαπτίζειν). Thus, the purity laws ensured that they approached the holy place worthily.

John’s Baptism

John the Baptist introduced a significant shift. His baptism was no longer a ritual of purification but a symbolic gesture of repentance. For John, what mattered was not being ritually clean but living morally upright lives before the Lord. Thus, it was meaningless to undergo ritual cleansing while continuing to live in sin.

John told his followers that he baptized with water as a symbol of repentance, but someone greater than him would come to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. What does it mean to be baptized “in the Holy Spirit and fire”? Throughout Church history, this phrase has been interpreted in various ways: St. John Chrysostom taught that Jesus’ baptism refers to Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended like fire and filled Jesus’ disciples with various graces. Origen, on the other hand, argued that baptism in the Holy Spirit is for those who believe and repent, while baptism in fire is for those who refuse to believe and repent.

The Church’s Teaching on Baptism

Although interpretations differ, it is important to receive Jesus’ baptism, and Jesus baptizes us through His body, the Church. Thus, sacramental baptism performed by the Church, comes from Jesus and is essential for salvation (1 Peter 3:21). It imparts sanctifying grace upon the soul (2 Peter 1:4) and transforms us, empowering us to live as children of God. Unlike John’s baptism, which was an external sign of repentance, Jesus’ baptism—administered through His Church—truly transforms our souls and enables us to live worthily in God’s grace.

Addendum: Does Baptism Always Mean Full Immersion?

The word βαπτίζειν in the Bible does not always imply full-body immersion. For instance, in Mark 7:4–8, βαπτίζειν is used to describe ritual washing of specific body parts, such as hands, or even the washing of utensils. The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is valid whether performed by full immersion or by pouring water on the head (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1239–1240).

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection and Guide Questions

Have you received Jesus’ baptism performed through His Church? Do you encourage your family members, relatives, and friends to be baptized? Are you aware of the extraordinary graces we receive through baptism? Do you live out the spirit of your baptism in daily life?

Pilgrims of Hope

On By bayuopIn Christmas, EnglishLeave a comment

The Epiphany [C]
January 5, 2025
Matthew 2:1-12

Only Matthew recorded the story of the Magi from the East, devoting just 12 verses to it (around 1.12% of his Gospel). Yet, Christians throughout generations have found this story deeply fascinating and full of mysteries. Who were these Magi? Were there really three of them? Where exactly did they come from in the East? What was the “star” they saw? What is the meaning behind their gifts? While these questions remain the subject of debate and discussion, one thing draws us all to this story—we can all relate to the experience of the Magi. But what exactly is this shared experience?

We are captivated by the Magi’s journey because we, too, are journeying. Every day, we travel—from home to school or work, from one place to another. Every Sunday, we journey to church. Occasionally, we explore new places for vacation, discovery, or pilgrimage. At other times, we are compelled to go places we would rather avoid, like hospitals. At a deeper level, life itself is a journey. From the moment we leave our mother’s womb until we reach our final destination, we are constantly moving through time and space. Deep within, we ask ourselves, “Where are we going? Does my journey have a purpose?”

The story of the Magi offers us answers to these fundamental questions. When the Magi discovered the “star” of the newborn King, they knew they had to find Him. However, they could have misinterpreted the star’s meaning. Along the way, they faced potential dangers and unforeseen challenges. The risks were enormous. Yet, they did not give up easily. As true pilgrims, they pressed on with hope—hope to find the One they desired most.

Matthew gives us few details about their journey, leaving much to our imagination. Yet, we can sense their surprise when they failed to find the newborn King in Jerusalem. They likely expected the King to be the son of Herod, the reigning monarch. Despite this setback, they did not lose hope but continued their search. Their surprise grew even greater when they found the baby King in the humble home of Joseph and Mary. Yet again, despite unmet expectations, their hope pointed them to this little baby would become the King of Israel, and thus, they offered their homage and gifts. The Magi became the first non-Israelites to accept Jesus. Their journey reminds us of St. Paul’s words: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).

Like the Magi, we, too, are pilgrims in this world. At times, we feel unsure of our paths, surrounded by uncertainties. Sometimes, our journey seems meaningless, especially when we are tired or lost. Often, we are afraid to face challenges and dangers. Yet, deep inside, we know we must keep moving forward, hoping that our journey toward Jesus will bear fruit. For it is He whom our hearts desire most. Gabriel Marcel, a Catholic philosopher, beautifully expresses this in his book Homo Viator, “I almost think that hope is for the soul what breathing is for the living organism. Where hope is lacking, the soul dries up and withers…” We are pilgrims on earth—not of fear or despair, but of hope.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guide Questions

Are we aware that we are sojourners on this earth, not permanent residents? Do we recognize our true destination? What efforts do we make to stay on the right path? How do we respond to challenges and troubles in our journey? How can we keep our hope alive during this long journey?

Cold Yet Blessed Christmas

On By bayuopIn Christmas, EnglishLeave a comment

Nativity of Our Lord [C]
December 25, 2024
Luke 2:1–14

One privilege I had as a priest was the opportunity to study in Rome, and one unforgettable experience was celebrating Christmas in this eternal city. A striking difference from my home country was immediately apparent: Christmas in Rome is cold. Coming from a country near the equator, where the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, experiencing December as winter (with temperatures ranging from 8°C to -1°C) was a stark contrast. As I celebrated Christmas in this chilly season, my first thought was that it must have been a similarly cold winter in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.

Some skeptics argue that it’s unlikely Jesus was born in December, claiming it would have been too cold for shepherds to keep watch over their sheep in the open fields. While December is indeed winter in Israel, it’s not so cold as to prevent people from staying outside. A quick online search reveals that nighttime temperatures in Bethlehem-Jerusalem average around 7–8°C. After all, sheep are typically kept outdoors, and the shepherds, familiar with these conditions, would have been well-prepared to endure the chilly environment.

The shepherds may have been prepared for the cold, but what about the baby Jesus? While winters in Israel are milder than in many European countries, the fact remains that winter in Bethlehem is cold and chilling. The first sensation baby Jesus likely felt upon leaving the warmth of Mary’s womb was the cold. Certainly, Mary and Joseph would have done their utmost to protect and keep Him warm, but the low temperatures could not be completely avoided. This chill would have been even more pronounced given that Jesus was not born in a modern, comfortable maternity ward but in a humble place for animals – a cave, as tradition tells us.

Yet, this very humility is at the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel, God-with-us. Our God is not a distant deity hidden away in the heavens, occasionally sending angels to interact with us. He is intimately present, becoming one of us, human. From the moment of His conception, He felt, experienced, and endured everything we are and do. The coldness of that Christmas night was only the beginning. Jesus would come to know hunger and thirst, pain and sorrow, just as we do. He also embraced the warmth and love of Mary and Joseph. He grew and learned to live as we do. He knows who we are because He has become one of us.

It’s true that we often pray for the Lord to remove our suffering, pain, and sorrow, yet it seems these struggles persist. In His divine wisdom, God allows our suffering, though we may not always understand the reasons. However, through the mystery of Christmas, we are assured of one profound truth: Jesus knows our pain. He shares in it and bears it with us. This is our Gospel, this is our Christmas.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Rejoice, But Why?

On By bayuopIn Advent, EnglishLeave a comment

3rd Sunday of Advent [B]

December 15, 2024

Luke 3:10-18

We are now in the third Sunday of Advent, also known as the Gaudete Sunday. “Gaudete” is a Latin word meaning “Rejoice!” This name comes from the introit or the opening antiphon of the Mass, taken from Phil 4:4-5, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand!” Yet, why should we rejoice in this season of Advent?

The coming of the Lord is, at its heart, a cause for great joy. On the first Sunday of Advent, we heard about the terrifying events surrounding the second coming of Jesus at the end of time, “the powers of heaven will be shaken (Luk 21:26).” Yet, this fear is only those who do not love Jesus, those who are afraid of His judgment. For those who love Jesus and live according to His commandments, His coming is a reason to rejoice, for we are confident that we will be with Him.

But why do we experience profound joy when we are with Jesus? Think about our relationship with those we love. When we love someone, we desire to be close and share time together. This bond brings us joy and peace. When we love our children, we desire to be together with them and spend time with them. The experience brings joy in our hearts. It is the same with Jesus. If we truly love Jesus, we long to be united with Him, and when we embrace Jesus, we receive the joy that our hearts desire. The more deeply we love Jesus, the deeper the joy we experience when He comes.

However, the opposite is also true. If we do not love Jesus as we should, or even we hate Jesus, then we will not rejoice at His coming. Instead, we fear His coming. But what does it mean to “hate” Jesus? It can be more subtle than we think.

  • Forsaking Jesus: We “hate” Jesus when we abandon Him or no longer trust in Him.
  • Loving other things more: We “hate” Jesus also when we prioritize other things like wealth, popularity, and pleasures more than Jesus.
  • Excessive self-love: Perhaps, most subtly, we “hate” Jesus when we love ourselves excessively and inordinately. The center of our lives is nothing but ourselves, in other words, being narcissistic. We need to be very careful with this inordinate love for ourselves because we may not be conscious about it. We are always going to the Church or active in many parish’s organizations, but the real motivation is that we can be seen by others as pious man or woman.

We rejoice because we love Jesus. Jesus understands how painful it is to be far from one we love dearly. Thus, He comes to us through His Word and in the Eucharist. While this is not a perfect union, it is enough for us to rejoice in the Lord.

Questions for reflection:

Do we love Jesus above all else? How do we love Jesus in our context as parents, spouses, children, professional, or students? What do we love ourselves more than Jesus? Do we teach other to love Jesus?

Why John the Baptist?

On By bayuopIn Advent, EnglishLeave a comment

Second Sunday of Advent [C]

December 8, 2024

Luke 3:1-6

On the second Sunday of Advent, the Church presents St. John the Baptist as a model for preparing the way for Jesus. But why is John always chosen as the example? The answer lies in the fact that John is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, exemplifying how we should prepare for the coming of Christ. Especially in the Gospel of Luke, we see that John precedes Jesus and prepares His way in three important stages. So, what are these three stages?

1) Through John’s Birth. John was the son of Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth. Since Elizabeth and Mary of Nazareth were relatives, this makes John and Jesus family. In Luke’s account, John’s birth is portrayed as an answer to his parents’ prayers. His birth is a miracle, as it occurred when Zechariah and Elizabeth were old and considered barren. This miraculous birth prefigures an even greater one—the birth of Jesus. While John was conceived despite his parents’ old age, Jesus was conceived without the involvement of any man. John’s birth fulfils God’s promises in the Old Testament (such as to Abraham and Sarah, Gen 17-18; Elkanah and Hannah, 1 Sam 1:1-20), while the birth of Jesus inaugurates the New Testament era.

2) Through John’s Preaching. Today’s Gospel speaks of John preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, which foretold that a great prophet would prepare the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3). John teaches that the best way to prepare for the coming of the Lord is through repentance. Without repentance, our Advent and Christmas celebrations will be shallow. There’s little meaning in decorating our homes or enjoying festive meals with loved ones if we do not first seek to reform our lives.

3) Through John’s Death. John’s death comes at the hands of Herod’s executioners. He had condemned Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for living in sin—taking his brother’s wife and divorcing his own wife. This angered Herod and his wife. When the opportunity arose, Herod, to please his wife, ordered John’s execution (Luke 9:7-9; Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-12). John was beheaded because he faithfully preached the truth, calling for repentance. Jesus, too, would eventually be crucified for preaching the truth of the Gospel and calling the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to repentance. The lesson is not just about how John died, but about how he lived—faithfully preaching the truth, even at the cost of his life. We are also invited not only to reform our own lives but to encourage others to repent, even in the face of rejection.

John is Jesus’ predecessor—in his birth, his preaching, and his death. Through his entire life, John prepared the way for Jesus. This is why John is one of the best models in the Bible for us to follow during this season of Advent.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection Questions:

  • Inspired by John the Baptist, how will you prepare yourself this Advent?
  • What lessons can you draw from John’s example?
  • Like John, are you willing to invite your family, relatives, and friends to repentance and help bring them closer to Jesus?

We and the Saints

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]
November 17, 2024
Mark 13:24-32

When someone asks if we want to go to heaven, we quickly say, “Yes!” But if asked if we want to become saints, our enthusiasm often fades. This is surprising because everyone in heaven is a saint. To be a saint means to be in heaven. So why do we separate the idea of heaven from being a saint?

At least, there are three reasons:

  1. Misunderstanding the Catholic Faith: Some of us may not fully understand our faith. We might think there are two groups in heaven: well-known saints like the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, St. Dominic, and St. Francis, and a second group of non-saints. We assume saints are only those who have been officially recognized and celebrated with feast days. But this is not true. All people in heaven are saints, even if we don’t know their names. That’s why we celebrate All Saints’ Day, honoring every person who by God’s grace has reached heaven. One of those saints could be a relative or ancestor!
  2. Thinking It’s Too Hard to Be a Saint: We read stories about saints and feel like we could never be as good as them. Saints seem perfect—extremely lovely, always praying, and some even performed miracles. And martyrs faced painful deaths for their faith. This level of holiness feels impossible for us because we are aware of our weaknesses and sins. But here’s the truth: saints didn’t become holy by their efforts alone; they depended on God’s grace. They were imperfect humans, like all of us, who allowed God’s love to transform them.
  3. Fear of Death: We might think that becoming a saint means we must die first, and we do not want to die! However, not all death is physical and biological. We need to die also to ourselves. This means letting go of worldly attachments and sinful desires.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about His return in glory and the signs that will come before it—darkened skies, a dim moon, and falling stars. This can mean the end of an era or even the end of the world. Yet, this can also tell us a deeper lesson: the world we know is temporary, destructible, and if we cling too tightly to it, we will lose everything. We need to choose: will we die to this world and live for God, or die with this world, and losing God.

We ask God to help us dying to ourselves, letting go of the world, and live more for Christ. Then, whenever Jesus comes, we will be ready to stand before Him, truly alive, just like the saints in heaven.

Rome

Valentinus B. Ruseno, OP

Questions for Reflection:

What do we think heaven is like? How do we view the saints and their roles in our lives? Do we want to become saints, or are we too attached to the world? What are the things we cling to in this life? How are we preparing for Jesus’ coming?

The Faith of the Poor Widow

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

November 10, 2024

Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus commends a poor widow who gives her last two small coins to the Temple. He points out why her act is so remarkable: “Out of her poverty, she gave everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44). Jesus admires her because, despite her extreme poverty, she displays extraordinary generosity. But there’s a deeper message here. What is it?

We need to ask, “Why is this widow poor?” In Jesus’ time, widows were among the most vulnerable, especially if they had no family to support and protect them. Because of this, God instructed the Israelites to care for widows (see Deu 14:29 and Isa 1:17). Yet, in this Gospel passage, there is a clue to why this widow has been pushed into poverty. Before praising the widow, Jesus condemns the scribes not just for seeking popularity, but for a more sinister reason, “They devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40).

How did the scribes take advantage of widows? There are a few possibilities:

Firstly, Abuse of Legal Authority. The scribes, experts in Jewish law, were trusted as legal advisors or trustees, especially for widows who needed help managing their affairs after their husbands’ death. Afterall, these scribes were men of God! Sadly, some of them abused this trust, using their legal knowledge to manipulate proceedings for personal gain, sometimes even committing fraud.

Secondly, Predatory Lending. Some scribes engaged in predatory lending practices. Under the guise of providing financial help, they would lend money to widows and gradually entrap them in severe debt. When the widows couldn’t repay these debts, they were forced to give up their homes and possessions, ultimately becoming destitute.

While we don’t know the exact way the widow in this story was exploited, we do know she suffered injustice. Despite this, her response is remarkable. Instead of feeling embittered or blaming God, she remains generous and devoted. Even in her suffering, she loves God with all her heart, strength, and life. Why? Because her faith rests in God Himself, not in flawed human representatives like the scribes. While people can fail or act unjustly, God does not. She believes God is watching her, and indeed, Jesus is watching her actions and recognizing her faith and sacrifice.

This story opens our eyes to harsh realities that can exist even within religious institutions. Yet, the widow’s example also teaches us how to respond to these challenges without losing our faith.

Reflection Questions:

Do we help bring people closer to God, or do we push them away? Do we use our position and knowledge to assist others or to take advantage of them? When bad things happen, do we blame God or maintain our trust in Him? Do we stand against injustice and wrongdoing within our communities and Church, or do we remain silent?

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP