Tag: English

Miracle for a Better World

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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]
September 5, 2021
Mark 7:30-37

A miracle is something extraordinary. Miracles make ordinarily impossible things possible. Yet, some miracles are more powerful and cause more wonder than others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus performed yet another stunning miracle. He healed a person with hearing and speech impairment. At first, the miracle seems familiar and another routine for Jesus, but we may discover remarkable details if we got closer to the story’s context.

photocredit: david knudsen

The person who begged for healing was struggling with several disabilities. The man was deaf, and if he could not hear sounds and voices since birth, he would not be able to speak as well. His speech impediment significantly worsened the condition. He could not say not only because he never heard a word but also his speech faculty had defects. It was an almost impossible case.

Another detail is that the way Jesus healed the man. He did not act the usual routines. He neither touch the afflicted person nor performs distant healing. His actions were somewhat ‘eccentric’. Mark described that Jesus placed His fingers inside man’s ears as if He tried to clear what blocked the hearing passages. He also spat on his hands and put his wet hands on the man’s tongue, as if He tried to soften what was dry and petrified. Jesus looked up to heaven and uttered ‘Ephatha!’ as if giving the command to various body parts that were tightly closed. Then, a remarkable miracle took place.

What happened was truly unique. The man could not only hear, but he could speak plainly. A man who was deaf since birth would need some time to learn how to say, but the great miracle was that Jesus infused the man with the gift of language. Jesus did heal not only the bodily infirmities but also enlighten the man with knowledge and understanding. It was a whole package miracle!

However, the miracle did not stop there. The effects of Jesus’ miracles ripple through the ages. We may not always see miracles of healing like in the Gospel, but we can always perform a miracle of love and mercy. As disciples of Christ, we continue to build a better place for people with disabilities. Now, our world may not be perfect, but it is a much better place for our afflicted brothers and sisters. If we see the bible, the early Church was concerned with how to take care of the most disenfranchised and how the apostles appointed seven deacons to minister to the poor widows. St. James, in his letter, denounced a practice in some ancient parishes that gave a seat to the rich and not to the poor [Jam 2:1-5]. The culture to help the poorest of the poor and even building structures like hospitals, shelters for the homeless, orphanages dramatically begins with Jesus and His Church. This spirit will continue until the age of time.

We thank our brothers and sisters who continue becoming the miracles of Christ for those people with disabilities. They spend time and resources to take care of abandoned babies, learn sign language to introduce Good News to the people who cannot hear, and create a better place for everyone.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

The Law, Traditions and Heart

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]
August 29, 2021
Mark 7:1-23

The Pharisees came to scrutinize Jesus, and these were not just ordinary Galilean Pharisees who often debated with Jesus. They were the leading Jewish authority, and they came to pass judgment on Jesus: whether Jesus is an orthodox Jew or a false prophet. Yet, we may ask, who are these Pharisees who often collided with Jesus and His disciples? The pharisaic movement was one of the Jewish religious movements in first-century Palestine. Though not always in a good relationship, they were contemporaries with other groups like the Sadducees, Zealots, and Essenes. However, Pharisees were the most popular because many of their members were Jewish laypeople compared to other groups.

photocredit: priscilla du preez

What is unique to the Pharisees? We need to understand first about the ceremonial purity in the Old Testament. The Law of Moses commanded those men and women who were entering the sacred place like the Temple to be ceremonially clean. If they were in contact with dead bodies, they became unclean and could not enter the holy ground. Thus, they were required to do ceremonial washing to clean this impurity. The purpose of this ceremonial purity is not about morality [what is right or wrong] but to train the Israelites to see and honor the sacred places as God’s dwellings.

The Pharisees were zealous for the Law, and they were responsible for bringing this ceremonial purity to the context of the Israelite household. They wanted to be ceremonially clean, not only in the Temple but also when they entered their houses, when they ate and drank, and even when they went to bed. The thing was that Moses never gave laws about this pharisaic thing. Thus, as a solution, the teachers or the rabbi came up with their set of rules and regulations. Eventually, these became the (pharisaic) traditions of the elders.

Going back to Jesus, we note that what the Pharisees from Jerusalem discovered was Jesus did not observe those traditions. They did not find any shred of evidence that Jesus violated the Law of Moses. Indeed, Jesus was fulfilling the Law. Jesus then criticized the Pharisees for being over-zealous on traditions to the expense of the Word of God. Jesus reminded the true essence of the Law, which is the formation of the heart. The laws and the traditions are good if they bring us closer to God. They become twisted when they chain us and keep us far from God. It would be useless if we are ceremonially clean, but our hearts are impure and sinful.

Jesus’ reminder to the Pharisees is always timely and proper to us. Do we keep our religion as mere collections of traditions, rituals, and customs that keep us from the Lord? Do we read the Word of God to help us understanding and loving the Lord better or simply to put up a show? Do we gather images, statues, and other religious articles just for collections, or do these help us honor God who perfects His creatures? Do we get involved in various services and ministries to feel good about it or serve our brothers and sisters in need?

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Amazing Faith

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21st Sunday in the Ordinary Time [B]
August 22, 2021
John 6:60-69

For the past five Sundays, we have listened to John chapter 6. Jesus introduced Himself as the bread of life, and His flesh and blood are authentic food for eternal life. Today’s Gospel serves as the summit of our journey through John 6, and the Gospel begins with the response of Jesus’ listeners, “It is a hard saying.”

photocredit: Nathan Dumlao

Jesus’ teaching this time is hard saying because it runs contrary to the essential Jewish tenets. It shocked their Jewish faith. To offer His flesh as food, is as appalling as cannibalism. Presenting His blood as a real drink is even blasphemous because it directly hits God’s commandment against eating blood [Lev 17:10]. Yet, Jesus did not waver.

Jesus’ followers were facing a tough decision. They had seen Jesus performing miracles, healing the sick and feeding thousands. Many of them were expecting that Jesus would be the Messiah like King David. However, things did not go smoothly according to their plans. If they accepted Jesus as the Messiah, they had to take Jesus’ words and indeed eat His body and blood. Eventually, many could not accept Jesus’ tough teaching, and perhaps, they considered Him another lunatic or even possessed man.

Fortunately, not everyone deserted Jesus. Peter, representing the twelve disciples, said that they believed in Jesus’ words. Peter might not be different from the rest of the crowd who failed the grasp Jesus’ hard teachings. Yet, Peter accepted Jesus’ hard teachings because he accepted who Jesus is, the Holy One of God. It is impossible for Jesus, the Holy One of God, to tell a lie. What the divine Son of God said must be real and true, however mysterious it may be. This is Peter’s faith, and this should be our faith.

Many aspects of our life and faith remain big question marks for us. We may not be able to understand the reality of the Trinity. We may still scratch our heads every time a priest speaks about the two natures of Christ. We may still feel dizzy every time a preacher explains about the transubstantiation. Yet, despite these hard sayings, we believe.

If we can have faith in Jesus despite the hard saying, we can have the same faith also despite hard lives. If we can say Yes to Jesus in the Eucharist, we shall be able to say Yes to Jesus in our lives, however, broken and disfigured it may be. This time of Pandemic, we often ask why God allows this terrible time and suffering. If we do not have the Eucharistic faith, we can easily fall into despair. Yet, we trust that God is in control with true faith, and He has a great plan for us. We might not understand the meaning of the suffering we endure, but we know it will make sense someday.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Our Mother in Heaven

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The Solemnity of the Assumption [B]

August 15, 2021

Luke 1:39-56

Together with my mother, Blessed Virgin Mary are the women in my life. I knew her very early in my life, and my devotion has continued to grow since then. When I moved to the Philippines for my Dominican formation, I witnessed the lively and vibrant devotion of the Filipinos toward our Lady. Yet, at the same time, I experienced the ferocious assault against her. How come people who call themselves followers of Jesus dare to attack His mother? For me, it was unthinkable! Usually, the usual accusations are, “Why pray to Mary? Why honor her so much as if she is a god?” It is clear for us Catholics that Mary deserves incredible honor because of her role in the mystery of salvation, but it is also clear that she is a human.

photocredit: Kelly Sikkema

In the beginning, I was more than eager to defend her, yet as I brought this in prayer, I ask our Lady, what would she do to those who attack and mock her? She answered, “I continue to pray and love them. They are also my children.” Her answer was an eye-opener, and I began to enter their shoes to seek the reason behind their hatred toward Mary. One of the reasons I discovered is that for them, faith is basically “about Jesus and I.” Jesus is my personal savior and Lord, and He alone is enough. Mary and other saints are obstacles, the Church and the sacraments are not needed, and the traditions are unnecessary burdens. It is faith alone at its purest.

I do agree that faith needs to be pure but not simplistic and individualistic. I believe in Jesus as my personal savior, but He also calls us into a communion of saints. If we survey the Bible, God calls people in the context of a family: Adam and Eve, Noah and his family, Abraham and Sarah, Israel and his children, Moses together with Aaron and Mariam, and David with his family. The keyword ‘testament’ or ‘covenant’ that unites the entire Bible means a solemn oath to build a family. Jesus Himself called the twelve disciples to be the father figures in His kingdom, His family of God.

If God calls us into a family, we are not alone in this journey toward Jesus. We have our brothers and sisters in heaven who are cheering for us and helping us in ways we could never imagine. We also have brothers and sisters here on earth, and it is our responsibility to support and guide them in this journey. The dogma of the Assumption tells us that we are not just earthly realities but belong to a heavenly family, and what is more edifying is that we have a good mother in heaven.

As Mary anticipated the couple’s needs in Cana before they even noticed, Mary intercedes for us even before we realize. As Mary faithfully followed her Son on earth, Mary loyally accompanies us in our earthly journey. As Mary firmly stood before the cross of her Son, Mary also stands beside us in these trials of life.

Our Blessed Mother, pray for us!

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

St. Dominic’s Prayer

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The Solemnity of St. Dominic de Guzman

August 8, 2021

Mat 28:16-20

Today, the Dominican family is celebrating the solemnity of St. Dominic de Guzman, the founder and father of the Order of Preachers. This year’s celebration is extraordinary because we also commemorate the 800th anniversary of Dominic’s death. We call it dies Natalis, the day of birth. It is the birthday of the saint in heaven. Indeed, it has been 800 years since the death of St. Dominic, and the Order he founded is growing vital and ever young.

The Order of Preachers may not be the biggest congregation in the Catholic Church [we have only around six thousand brothers], but indeed, we continue to be blessed with vocations. In Indonesia alone, we have a good number of young brothers in the formation. In the Philippines, the formation house is packed with brothers.

Why is the reason behind this growth? Indeed, there are many overlapping reasons, yet may I highlight one of those: the prayer of St. Dominic himself. At his deathbed, St. Dominic promised his brothers, “Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.” [his words are powerful that they are quoted in CCC 956]

His prayers have been proved effective. The Order has been through thick and thin of the world and Church’s history, and it is not always glorious. The Order also shares some painful past and memories. There are times that the Order seemed to collapse under its weight or split into smaller and quarreling factions. Yet, the Order can overcome those. I do believe that the reason cannot be explained by purely human strength. It is God’s mercy and Dominic’s great love for his brothers and sisters.

What is impressive is that St. Dominic is not alone. He is also joined by other Dominican saints, like St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Martin de Porres, St. Catharine of Siena, and countless Dominicans who have entered heaven. Every day, the prayers are getting stronger and louder as more holy people join their chorus.

The Order of Preachers is a family and community, and what is marvelous is that the members are not limited to those who are here on earth but those in heaven. Our brothers and sisters in heaven are doing even more amazing things for us. I am maybe alone here preaching, but my heavenly family members are supporting and cheering for me. I am perhaps alone in my study time, but the Dominican saints are at the forefront in guiding me. The letter of Hebrews speaks of the cloud of heavenly witness surrounding us [Heb 12:1], and I know some of them. We may be small, but our strength is not only here on earth. The more excellent works are done in heaven for the sake of the Order and the salvation of souls.

Many of us may not be a member of Dominican Order, but we are part of a larger family of God, the Church. We have one Father in heaven, and there is no other greatest joy for a father to see his children helping and loving one another. As we help and love our brothers and sisters here on earth, we shall not forget to give thanks to our brothers and sisters in heaven who constantly love and support us till we meet them in heaven.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Food for Eternal Life

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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.

photocredit: finding dan

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

Reclining

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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?

photocredit: annie theby


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

True Rest

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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.

photocredit: ricardo esquivel

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

Mission for the Salvation of Souls

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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

Rejection

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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