Tag: Mercy

A Child as a Gift

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Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist [June 24, 2018] Luke 1:57-66, 80

“The Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.” (Lk. 1:58)

child in churchToday we are celebrating the birth of John the Baptist. Two figures emerge as the protagonists of our today’s Gospel, Elizabeth, and Zachariah. Luke describes the couple as “righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. (Luk 1:6)”. But, they have no child. The possibility to have a child is close to zero as Elizabeth is perceived to be barren and Zachariah is already old. In ancient Jewish society, children are considered to be a blessing of the Lord and a source of honor, and barrenness is a curse and shame.

However, the archangel Gabriel appears to Zachariah and tells him that his wife will get pregnant despite her barrenness and his advanced age. Paying close attention to their names, we may discover even richer meaning. Zachariah, from the Hebrew word “Zakar” means to remember, and Elizabeth, a compound Hebrew words, “Eli,” and “Sabath” means God’s oath or promise. Thus, both names may mean God remembers His promise. In the Bible, when God remembers, it does simply mean God recalls something from memory, but it means God fulfills what He has promised. As God has fulfilled His promise to Zachariah’s ancestors, so God also remembers His promise to Elizabeth. The story of Elizabeth reverberate the stories of great women in the Old Testament: Sarah (Gen 15:3; 16:1), Rebekah (Gen 25:21), Rachel (Gen 29:31; 30:1), the mother of Samson and wife of Manoah (Jdg 13:2-3), and Hannah (1Sa 1:2).

What is God’s promise to Elizabeth and Zachariah, and eventually to all of us? St. Luke the evangelist points to us that God’s promise is to show His great mercy to Elisabeth and Zachariah (see Luk 1:58). The birth of John the Baptist is a sign of God’s mercy towards the righteous couple. Thus, the birth of every child is a sign of God’s promise fulfilled, a sign of God’s mercy to every parent. We recall that mercy is not something we deserve. Mercy is the embodiment of gratuitous love, the gift of love. Mercy is an utter gift. Through every child, God shows His great mercy to us, and together with Elizabeth and Zachariah, we shall rejoice because of this gift.

We are living in the world that is increasingly uncomfortable with the presence of the little children around us. There is this new fundamentalist mentality creeping into millennial generation. It is a mentality that promotes individual success as the prime and absolute value of happiness. Thus, anything that stands in its way has to be eradicated. This includes marriage, family life and finally children. They are no longer seen as a gift to be received with gratitude, but liabilities to be avoided. When I visited South Korea last year, my Dominican Korean friend told me that young generation of Korea is working very hard to the point that they longer consider marriage and having children as their priorities. Indeed, unlike in the Philippines or Indonesia, it was not easy to spot little children playing freely. I guess the decline in population growth is a problem in many progressive countries.

We deny neither the fact that it is a backbreaking responsibility to raise children nor the reality that not all of us are called to become parents. However, it is also true that children are a gift not only to the particular family, but to the entire humanity, and thus, every one of us has the sacred call to protect and take care of the wellbeing of our children. We shall protect our children from any form of child abuse, from the debilitating effects of poverty, from the egocentric and contraceptive mentality and from evil of abortion. To honor a gift is to honor the giver, and thus, to honor every child is to honor the God who gives them to us.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

 

Anak Sebagai Tanda Belas Kasih Allah

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Hari Raya Kelahiran Yohanes Pembaptis [24 Juni 2018] Lukas 1:57-66.80

“Tuhan telah menunjukkan rahmat-Nya yang begitu besar kepadanya, bersukacitalah mereka bersama-sama dengan dia.” (Lk. 1:58)

child in church 2Hari ini kita merayakan kelahiran Yohanes Pembaptis. Ada dua tokoh protagonis pada Injil kita hari ini, Elizabeth, dan Zakharia. Santo Lukas mendeskripsikan pasangan itu sebagai “orang benar di hadapan Allah dan hidup menurut segala perintah dan ketetapan Tuhan dengan tidak bercacat.” (Luk 1: 6) ”. Tapi, mereka tidak memiliki anak. Kemungkinan memiliki anak juga mendekati nol karena Elizabeth adalah mandul dan Zakharia sudah tua. Dalam masyarakat Yahudi kuno, anak dianggap sebagai berkat Tuhan dan sumber kehormatan, dan kemandulan adalah kutukan dan rasa malu.

Namun, malaikat Gabriel menampakkan diri kepada Zakharia dan mengatakan kepadanya bahwa istrinya akan hamil meskipun usia mereka yang lanjut. Melihat lebih dekat makna dari nama pasangan ini, kitapun bisa berefleksi lebih dalam. Zakharia dalam bahasa Ibrani berarti “mengingat”, dan Elisabet berasal dari dua kata Ibrani, “Eli” dan “Sabath” berarti janji Tuhan. Dengan demikian, kedua nama itu bisa berarti Tuhan mengingat janji-Nya. Dalam Kitab Suci, ketika Tuhan mengingat, ini bukan sekedar berarti Tuhan mengingat kembali sesuatu dari memori, tetapi ini berarti Tuhan memenuhi apa yang pernah dijanjikan-Nya. Karena Allah telah memenuhi janji-Nya kepada leluhur Zakharia, maka Allah juga mengingat janji-Nya kepada Elisabet. Kisah Elizabeth menggemakan kisah-kisah para wanita hebat dalam Perjanjian Lama: Sarah (Kej 15: 3; 16: 1), Ribka (Kej 25:21), Rahel (Kej 29:31; 30: 1), ibu dari Simson dan istri Manoah (Hak 13: 2-3), dan Hana (1 Sam 1: 2).

Apa janji Tuhan kepada Elizabeth dan Zakharia, dan juga bagi kita semua? St. Lukas menunjukkan kepada kita bahwa janji Allah adalah Dia akan menunjukkan rahmat dan belas kasihan-Nya kepada Elisabeth dan Zakharia (lihat Luk 1:58). Kelahiran Yohanes Pembaptis menjadi tanda rahmat dan belas kasihan Allah terhadap pasangan yang saleh ini. Dengan demikian, kelahiran setiap anak adalah tanda bahwa janji Allah digenapi, tanda belas kasihan Allah kepada setiap orang tua. Kita ingat bahwa rahmat belas kasihan bukanlah sesuatu yang pantas kita terima. Belas kasih adalah berkat dan anugerah. Melalui setiap anak, Tuhan menunjukkan belas kasihan-Nya kepada kita, dan bersama-sama dengan Elizabeth dan Zakharia, kita juga akan bersukacita.

Namun, hal ini tidak mudah. Kita hidup di dunia yang semakin merasa tidak nyaman dengan kehadiran anak-anak kecil di sekitar kita. Ada mentalitas jahat yang merayap ke generasi zaman now. Ini adalah mentalitas yang mempromosikan kesuksesan individu sebagai nilai kebahagiaan yang utama. Jadi, apa pun yang menghalangi kesuksesan harus diberantas. Ini termasuk pernikahan, kehidupan berkeluarga dan akhirnya anak-anak. Mereka tidak lagi dilihat sebagai anugerah yang diterima dengan rasa syukur, tetapi beban yang harus dihindari. Ketika saya mengunjungi Korea Selatan tahun lalu, sahabat saya dari negeri tersebut mengatakan bahwa generasi muda Korea bekerja sangat keras sampai mereka tidak lagi membuat pernikahan dan memiliki anak sebagai prioritas mereka. Memang, tidak seperti di Filipina atau Indonesia, tidak mudah menemukan anak-anak kecil bermain dengan bebas di Seoul. Saya kira penurunan pertumbuhan penduduk adalah masalah di banyak negara yang maju.

Kita tidak menyangkal fakta bahwa untuk membesarkan anak-anak adalah tanggung jawab yang melelahkan, dan kita juga tidak menyangkal kenyataan bahwa tidak semua dipanggil untuk menjadi orang tua. Namun, adalah sebuah kebenaran bahwa anak-anak adalah anugerah tidak hanya bagi keluarga tertentu, tetapi untuk seluruh umat manusia, dan dengan demikian, kita semua memiliki panggilan suci untuk melindungi dan menjaga kesejahteraan anak-anak kita. Kita akan melindungi anak-anak kita dari segala bentuk pelecehan, dari efek melemahkan kemiskinan, dan dari mentalitas egosentris dan kontrasepsi. Menghargai sebuah pemberian berarti menghormati sang pemberi, dan dengan demikian, menghormati setiap anak berarti menghormati Tuhan yang memberi mereka kepada kita.

Frater Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Jesus’ Shalom

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Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) [April 8, 2018] John 20:19-31

“Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  (Jn. 20:19)

jesus n people
photo by Harry Setianto SJ

Fear is a natural and basic human emotion. Fear plays an important role in human survival because it alerts us of impending dangers or evil, and moves us to avoidance. The science of anatomy would locate the source of this emotion inside our amygdala, a primitive part of our brain that we share with other animals. Yet, unlike animals that simply flee in the presence of a predator, with our complex brain, we also face a complex kind of fear as we perceive a complex meaning of danger. We do not only fear predators, but we fear also losing our jobs, sickness, and our terror teachers or bosses. We are afraid of height (acrophobia), of small spaces (claustrophobia), and even of banana (Bananaphobia)! Because of our superior mind, our fear is even enlarged as we can anticipate far away dangers or even that does not exist yet. This creates anxiety and worriedness.

 

In the Gospel, we discover that Jesus’ disciples are afraid. They fear the “Jews.” They may be accused of stealing the body of Jesus by the Roman soldiers and Jewish authorities who discover the empty tomb. Or, simply the disciples are anxious about their future, of what will be of them after the death and the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Shall they disband themselves, go back to their former way lives, or shall they remain together? Will Jesus come and get even with them? Overcome by fear and uncertainty, they lock themselves. They are paralyzed, their hearts shrink, and they glue themselves to safe yet fragile things. Like the disciples, fear freezes us and lock us in our comfort zone. Fear of getting hurt, we stop loving. Fear of failures, we no longer pursue our dreams. Fear of being manipulated, we refuse to help others. Fear of betrayal, we shun commitments.

However, fear does not have the last say. Despite the locked room, the Lord enters in their midst. The first word He says is Peace, in Hebrew, “Shalom.” Then, Jesus shows his wounds to them, a proof that He is truly Jesus, their teacher, who was crucified and risen. Seeing the Lord, joy explodes in their hearts, and they fear no more. Jesus’ Shalom is powerful and empowering. Jesus’ Shalom gives inner strength in the face of uncertain future. Jesus’ Shalom gives the courage to embrace sufferings and trials.

Jesus is truly risen and appears to the disciples, but this does not change the disciples’ situations. Their future remains uncertain. The hostile Jewish authorities still attempt to shut them down. The Roman soldiers may arrest them. They do not know yet how to sustain their small community. Their situations remain bleak, but one thing has changed. They are no longer afraid. With His Shalom in their hearts, Jesus breathes His Holy Spirit on them and sends them on a mission to forgive. As they have been forgiven and received mercy, they become the missionaries of peace, as they bring forgiveness to others. As the stone door of the tomb cannot stop the risen Lord, now the locked doors cannot hinder the empowered disciples.

Jesus’ Shalom is the grace of resurrection for all of us. True that our situations and problems do not change much, but fear can no longer freeze us. We are called to go out from our locked rooms and become the missionaries of peace and mercy. Despite the pain, failure, and frustration, we continue to love, serve and commit because this is who we are, the people who have received Jesus’ Shalom, God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit. We are not afraid because we are Easter People!

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Shalom

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Minggu Paskah Kedua (Minggu Kerahiman Ilahi) [8 April 2018] Yohanes 20: 19-31

“Pada waktu itu datanglah Yesus dan berdiri di tengah-tengah mereka dan berkata: “Damai sejahtera bagi kamu!. ” (Yoh. 20:19)

Jesus n moon
photo by Harry Setianto, SJ

Ketakutan adalah emosi manusia yang alami dan mendasar. Takut memainkan peran penting dalam kelangsungan hidup manusia karena emosi ini memperingatkan kita akan datangnya bahaya, dan menggerakkan kita untuk menghindarnya. Ilmu anatomi menunjukan bahwa sumber emosi ini ada di dalam amygdala, bagian primitif dari otak yang juga dimiliki oleh hewan lain. Namun, tidak seperti binatang yang melarikan diri di hadapan predator, dengan otak yang lebih kompleks, kita juga menghadapi jenis ketakutan yang kompleks. Kita tidak hanya takut pada pemangsa, tetapi kita juga takut kehilangan pekerjaan, akan penyakit, dan kehilangan orang yang kita kasihi. Ada yang takut akan ketinggian (acrophobia), akan ruang kecil (claustrophobia), dan bahkan terhadap pisang (Bananaphobia)! Karena pikiran kita yang superior, ketakutan kita bahkan membesar karena kita bisa mengantisipasi bahaya yang masih jauh atau bahkan yang sesungguhnya belum ada. Inilah dasar dari kecemasan dan kekhawatiran.

 

Dalam Injil, para murid Yesus ketakutan. Mereka takut pada “orang Yahudi.” Mereka mungkin takut akan ditangkap karena dituduh mencuri tubuh Yesus oleh tentara Romawi dan penguasa Yahudi yang menemukan kuburan yang kosong. Para murid juga mungkin cemas akan masa depan mereka, apa yang akan terjadi setelah kematian dan berita tentang kebangkitan Yesus. Haruskah mereka membubarkan diri, kembali ke kehidupan mereka sebelumnya, atau apakah mereka akan tetap bersama? Akankah Yesus datang dan membalas mereka? Dikuasai oleh rasa takut dan ketidakpastian, mereka mengunci diri. Mereka lumpuh, hati mereka mengkerut, dan mereka merekatkan diri pada hal-hal yang aman namun rapuh. Seperti para murid, rasa takut membekukan kita dan mengunci kita di zona nyaman kita. Takut terluka, kita berhenti mengasihi. Takut akan kegagalan, kita tidak lagi mengejar impian kita. Takut dimanipulasi, kita menolak membantu orang lain. Takut pengkhianatan, kita menghindari komitmen.

Namun, rasa takut tidak memiliki kata terakhir akan hidup kita. Meskipun ruangan terkunci, Tuhan masuk di tengah-tengah mereka. Kata pertama yang Dia katakan adalah “Damai”, dalam bahasa Ibrani, “Shalom.” Kemudian, Yesus menunjukkan luka-lukanya kepada mereka, sebuah bukti bahwa Dia benar-benar Yesus, guru mereka, yang disalibkan dan bangkit. Melihat Tuhan, sukacita memenuhi hati mereka, dan mereka tidak takut lagi. Shalom Yesus mengampuni dan memberdayakan. Shalom Yesus memberikan kekuatan batin dalam menghadapi masa depan yang tidak pasti. Shalom Yesus memberikan keberanian untuk menerima penderitaan dan cobaan.

Yesus benar-benar bangkit dan menampakkan diri kepada para murid, tetapi ini tidak mengubah situasi para murid. Masa depan mereka tetap tidak pasti. Otoritas Yahudi masih berusaha untuk menghancurkan mereka. Para prajurit Romawi setiap saat dapat menangkap mereka. Komunitas mereka sangat kecil dan lemah. Situasi mereka tetap suram, tetapi satu hal telah berubah. Mereka tidak takut lagi. Dengan Shalom-Nya di dalam hati para murid, Yesus menghembuskan Roh Kudus-Nya kepada mereka dan mengirim mereka dalam misi untuk mengampuni. Karena mereka telah diampuni dan menerima belas kasihan, mereka menjadi misionaris perdamaian dan mereka membawa pengampunan kepada orang lain. Seperti pintu batu kubur tidak dapat menghentikan Tuhan yang bangkit, sekarang pintu yang terkunci tidak dapat menghalangi para murid yang diberdayakan.

Shalom Yesus adalah anugerah kebangkitan bagi kita semua. Benar bahwa situasi dan masalah kita tidak banyak berubah, tetapi rasa takut tidak bisa lagi membekukan kita. Kita dipanggil untuk keluar dari kamar kita yang terkunci dan menjadi misionaris perdamaian dan belas kasihan. Meskipun sakit, gagal, dan penuh dengan frustrasi, kita terus mengasihi, melayani dan berkomitmen karena ini adalah siapa kita sesungguhnya, orang-orang yang telah menerima Shalom Yesus, belas kasihan Tuhan dan Roh Kudus. Kita tidak takut karena kita adalah umat yang tertebus!

Shalom!

Frater Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

The Annunciations

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4th Sunday of Advent [December 24, 2017] Luke 1:26-38

“…my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness… (Luk 1:47-48).”

annunciation chinaLuke has a poignant and unique way in narrating the story of the Annunciation. He deliberately places the story of Zachariah and of Mary side by side, and lets his readers see both stories in comparison. The first story speaks of a holy man who serves in the Temple. Zachariah is a symbol of the ideal Israelite who stands at the center of the holy ground. The second story speaks of an ordinary woman who lives in Nazareth, a small town far from the center. In a patriarchal society, Mary is a symbol of the poor and marginalized Israelite who is pushed to the peripheries. Angel Gabriel appears to both, and God does marvelous deeds for both. Yet, the Annunciation to Mary turns to be far more excellent. The Angel greets Mary with the title of honor, the highly favored one, while the angel does not even greet Zachariah. The Angel makes Zachariah mute because of his doubt, but he assures Mary when she is confused. The conception of John the Baptist is done through natural means, while the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary takes place through the supernatural way. Zachariah and Elizabeth represent the outstanding God’s marvel in the Old Testament like when God opened the womb of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and Hannah, the mother of Samuel, despite their old age and barrenness. Yet, what happens to Mary surpasses and outshines these Old Testament miracles.

Reading through the Old Testament books and comparing to the story of Zachariah, we discover that the Annunciation to Mary stands at the summit. Never before, an angel will give honor to a mere mortal. Never before, God will highly favor an ordinary human. Yet, what makes it even marvelous is God’s choice of Mary who is a poor, young woman coming from the insignificant town. God chooses practically a “nobody” to become the mother of His Son. Therefore, Mary’s canticle or the “Magnificat” is not a cute little song, but turns to be the poignant testimony of God’s power on His lowly servant, “…my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness… (Luk 1:47-48).”

The story of Annunciation becomes a powerful sign for all of us. We, like Mary, often feel that we are weak and hopeless with so many problems in life. We are bullied by our classmates, officemates, or even society because of our uniqueness and talent. We feel that we are insignificant because we produce so little and achieve nothing. Yet, God never abandons us. In fact, He works His wonders in time when we feel that we are nothing.

A newly ordained Dominican priest confesses that he did a lot of foolish things, he did not finish his college and squandered his life. His life was truly a mess and he was a failure. Nowhere to go, he decided to enter the seminary. Yet, things slowly began to fall into place, and he took that second chance seriously. He excelled in his studies, and became a good seminarian. Finally, he was deemed to be worthy of the priesthood. In his thanksgiving mass, he thanks the Lord for undoing his failure, and he professes that in his greatest weakness, God has shone brightly. Like Mary, we are called to discover God’s mighty deeds in our lives, and to proclaim it to the world.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Kabar Sukacita

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Minggu Adven ke-4 [24 Desember 2017] Lukas 1: 26-38

“… hatiku bergembira karena Allah, Juruselamatku, sebab Ia telah memperhatikan kerendahan hamba-Nya… (Luk 1: 47-48).”

annunciation koreaLukas memiliki cara yang tajam dan unik dalam menulis kisah tentang Penerimaan Kabar Sukacita. Dia dengan sengaja menempatkan kisah Zakharia dan Maria secara berdampingan, dan membiarkan pembacanya melihat kedua cerita itu dalam perbandingan. Kisah pertama berbicara tentang seorang imam yang suci yang melayani di Bait Allah. Zakharia adalah simbol dari orang Israel ideal yang berdiri di pusat peribadatan bangsa Israel. Kisah kedua berbicara tentang seorang wanita sederhana yang tinggal di Nazaret, sebuah desa kecil yang jauh dari pusat pemerintahan dan keagamaan. Dalam masyarakat patriarki, Maria adalah simbol dari bangsa Israel yang miskin dan terpinggirkan dan terdorong ke pinggiran. Malaikat Gabriel menampakkan diri kepada keduanya, dan Tuhan melakukan perbuatan yang luar biasa bagi keduanya. Namun, Kabar Sukacita bagi Maria ternyata jauh lebih baik. Pertama, sang Malaikat menyapa Maria dengan gelar kehormatan, “Engkau yang dikaruniai”, sementara sang malaikat tidak menyapa Zakharia sama sekali. Kedua, sang malaikat membuat Zakharia bisu karena keraguannya, tapi dia meyakinkan Maria saat Maria bertanya-tanya. Ketiga, pembuahan Yohanes Pembaptis terjadi secara alamiah, sementara Yesus di dalam rahim Maria terjadi melalui cara yang supernatural. Zakharia dan Elizabeth mewakili karya besar Tuhan dalam Perjanjian Lama seperti ketika Tuhan membuka rahim Sarah, istri Abraham, dan Hannah, ibu Samuel, meskipun sudah tua dan mandul. Namun, apa yang terjadi pada Maria melampaui segala mukjizat Perjanjian Lama ini.

Membaca buku-buku Perjanjian Lama dan membandingkan kisah Zakharia, kita menemukan bahwa Kabar Sukacita Maria berada di puncak. Belum pernah terjadi sebelumnya, malaikat akan memberi kehormatan kepada seorang manusia biasa. Belum pernah sebelumnya, Tuhan memberi karunia-Nya yang dahsyat kepada manusia biasa. Namun, yang membuat kisah ini bahkan luar biasa adalah pilihan Tuhan bagi Maria yang adalah seorang wanita muda miskin yang berasal dari desa yang tidak penting. Tuhan memilih seorang yang bukan siapa-siapa untuk menjadi ibu Putra-Nya. Oleh karena itu, kidung Maria atau “Magnificat” bukanlah sebuah lagu yang imut, namun ternyata merupakan kesaksian yang menyata tentang kekuatan Tuhan terhadap Maria, hamba-Nya, “…hatiku bergembira karena Allah, Juruselamatku, sebab Ia telah memperhatikan kerendahan hamba-Nya… (Luk 1: 47-48).”

Kita, seperti Maria, sering merasa bahwa kita lemah dan putus asa dengan begitu banyak permasalah dalam hidup. Kita diintimidasi oleh teman sekelas, kerja, pelayanan, dan bahkan masyarakat karena keunikan dan bakat kita. Kita merasa bahwa kita tidak penting karena kita memiliki pencapaian apa-apa. Namun, Tuhan tidak pernah meninggalkan kita. Dia mengerjakan karya besar-Nya pada saat kita merasa bahwa kita bukanlah apa-apa.

Seorang imam Dominikan yang baru saja ditahbiskan mengaku bahwa dia melakukan banyak hal bodoh waktu dia muda, dia tidak menyelesaikan kuliahnya dan menyia-nyiakan hidupnya. Hidupnya benar-benar berantakan dan dia adalah sebuah kegagalan. Merasa hilang, dia memutuskan untuk masuk seminari. Namun, hidupnya perlahan-lahan semakin membaik, dan dia mengambil kesempatan kedua itu dengan serius. Dia belajar dengan tekun, dan menjadi seorang frater yang baik. Akhirnya, dia dianggap layak menjadi imam. Dalam misa perdananya, dia mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Tuhan karena Dia telah memilihnya, hamba-Nya yang hina dan gagal, dan bahwa dalam kelemahan terbesarnya, Tuhan telah bersinar terang. Seperti Maria, kita dipanggil untuk menemukan perbuatan-perbuatan besar Allah dalam hidup kita, bahkan di dalam kegagalan hidup, dan menyatakannya kepada dunia.

Frater Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Walk the Talk

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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. November 5, 2017 [Matthew 23:1-12]

“For they preach but they do not practice. (Mat 23:3)”

walk_the_talk_main_logoReading this Sunday’s Gospel, I feel that Jesus is reprimanding His priests and ministers for “preaching and yet not practicing.” Unfortunately, many of us are failing in this matter. We preach forgiveness, but some priests are having prolonged quarrels with other co-priests and some of their parishioners. We teach kindness and friendship of God, yet some of us appear to be aloof and snobbish. We proclaim justice, but sometimes we fail to be just to the simple people working in the parish or convent.

I myself are struggling to walk the talk. Often I speak or write about asking people to do more active parts in the Church or to engage in promoting justice and peace, but I myself find it difficult to follow those invitations. I used to be a member of KADAUPAN in our formation house. It is an apostolic group of the Dominican student-brothers that was inspired by the example of St. Martin de Porres who gave his life for the poor. One of our basic tasks is to welcome and help the indigents coming to our Church. Sometimes, we give money, but often we provide food, water and clothing. I have to admit that every time an indigent comes, I struggle to go out and meet them because I prefer to stay in the library and read books.

However, despite this inconsistency, I do believe that Jesus is merciful to us, His preachers, because He understands that despite our holy intentions, we keep falling due to our human weaknesses. Even St. Paul, the apostle to the gentiles, understood our struggles with our weaknesses, “For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. (Gal 5:17)”

While it is true that Lord Jesus will be very merciful to those who struggle to practice their preaching, it is also true that He will not tolerate if preaching is just for show off or for personal gains. That is the context of today’s Gospel. Jesus criticizes some Pharisees and scribes who preach the Law and teach its elaborate applications to show off their wisdom, and thus, gain respect and honor. It was their goal to earn the honorific title, “rabbi” or “father”, and to be treated as VIP in the Jewish societies. They do not serve God, but they manipulate the Law of God to serve their interest. This is unacceptable because it is a grave abuse against their sacred vocation to preach and serve the God of Israel.

The same message goes for us, the preachers and servers of the Word of God. Is there any hidden and selfish intention in our services and ministry of the Word? Is it to gain fame and pleasure? Is it to hoard riches and to have a more comfortable life? Are we making our sacred vocation to preach a career of achievements and glory? In a letter, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan had a strong point to the Filipino priests, “It is a scandal for a priest to die a rich man…That is our only duty—to be Jesus and to give Jesus who alone is our treasure.”

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

 

Unworthy, yet Called

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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. September 24, 2017 [Matthew 20:1-16a]

They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ (Mat 20:1-16)

vineyard ownerJesus is the storyteller genius. The parable he shares to us today does not only surprise us with its unexpected ending, but it also creates a sense of puzzlement and wonder. We expect that the workers who labored the whole day would get the better wage compared to those who came late. Yet, it did not happen. All got the same wage regardless of their working hours. The vineyard owner was right to explain that he did not violate the agreement with his laborers, but deep inside us, there is something quite off. If we were militant enough, we would stage a rally to protest the vineyard owner’s decision.

This sense of puzzlement and perhaps discontent are born because we can easily identify ourselves with the laborers who came early and worked the whole day, perhaps under the scourging sun and bearing heavy load. Many of us are workers who spend 8 hours or more in the workplace, working hard, just to get something to eat and little to save. Or some of us are students who have to study hard for hours just to pass a subject. Surely, we will feel resentment and even anger when we know that some unqualified workers with less work hours or productivity, receive the same and even higher amount of salary. We, students, will get totally disappointed knowing some lazy students, with their substandard, “copy-paste” assignments, get higher grade than us. It just violates our sense of justice.

However, do we really have to identify ourselves with the laborers who worked the whole day? Who knows they are actually not representing us. In God’s eyes, all of us may be like those people who were standing idle the whole day perhaps because no other vineyard owners think that we deserve the job. Indeed, in the final analysis, we are all but unworthy sinners. Pope Francis is loved by many and working hard for the Church. In his visit to Colombia, when he greeted the people on the streets, he got tripped, his eyebrow was slightly cut, and blood came out. Yet, instead calling off the activity, he proceeded. After receiving quick medical treatment, he insisted to continue greeting the people. Despite the pain, he met the people of God even with brighter smile. Pope Francis is like one of the laborers who came early in vineyard. Once he was asked by reporters to describe himself in one word, he answered he was a sinner! If this loving and holy Pope considers himself a sinner, who are we to think that we are the righteous?

Too much focus on ourselves, we often miss the obvious actions of the vineyard owner. He exerts effort to look for laborers, not just once, but four times. This defies the business logic. Why would you hire more if you have enough workers for the day? Why would you spend much for those worked only for one hour? That’s perfect recipe for bankruptcy! The point is not really about business and profit, but about seeking diligently and embracing those who are the lost, the less and the last. It is about us sinners, unworthy of Him, yet God remains faithful in looking for us.

It is truly humbling experience to know that we are “the people idle on the streets” yet God wants us to be part of His family. Now, it is our duty to respond to his Mercy with commitment and love for others. Like the last workers, we have only “one hour”, and it is time to make the best of it for He who has been very merciful.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

 

Tidak layak, namun Terpanggil

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Minggu Biasa ke-25 [24 September 2017] Matius 20: 1-16a

Kata mereka kepadanya, “Karena tidak ada orang mengupah kami”. Katanya kepada mereka, “Pergi jugalah kamu ke kebun anggurku.” (Mat 20:7)

francis-bruised-woundedYesus adalah seorang pencerita yang luar biasa. Perumpamaan Yesus hari ini tidak hanya mengejutkan kita dengan akhir yang tak terduga, tapi juga membuat kita bertanya-tanya. Kita berharap para pekerja yang bekerja sepanjang hari akan mendapatkan upah yang lebih baik dibandingkan dengan mereka yang terlambat datang. Namun, itu tidak terjadi. Semua mendapat upah yang sama. Pemilik kebun anggur menjelaskan bahwa dia tidak melanggar kesepakatan dengan para pekerja, tapi di dalam lubuk hati kita, kita merasa ada sesuatu yang salah.

Rasa bingung dan mungkin ketidakpuasan ini lahir karena kita dapat dengan mudah mengidentifikasi diri kita dengan pekerja yang datang lebih awal dan bekerja sepanjang hari, mungkin di bawah panas matahari dan membawa beban berat. Banyak dari kita adalah pekerja yang bekerja keras selama 8 jam atau lebih di tempat kerja hanya untuk mendapatkan sesuap nasi. Atau beberapa dari kita adalah siswa yang harus belajar berjam-jam agar bisa lulus. Atau kita kita sangat aktif selama bertahun-tahun membantu di paroki. Tentunya, kita akan marah saat mengetahui bahwa beberapa pekerja dengan jam kerja atau produktivitas rendah, menerima gaji yang lebih tinggi dari kita. Sebagai pelajar, kita akan benar-benar kecewa saat mengetahui beberapa siswa yang malas mendapatkan nilai lebih tinggi dari kita. Kita kecewa saat tidak diperhatikan sementara mereka yang baru datang dipuji oleh Romo paroki Itu melanggar rasa keadilan kita.

Namun, apakah kita benar-benar harus mengidentifikasi diri kita dengan para pekerja yang bekerja sepanjang hari? Di mata Tuhan, kita semua mungkin seperti halnya orang-orang yang menganggur sepanjang hari, mungkin karena sebenarnya kita tidak layak mendapat pekerjaan. Kenyataannya, kita semua adalah orang berdosa yang tidak pantas. Paus Fransiskus bekerja keras untuk Gereja. Dalam kunjungannya ke Kolombia, saat dia menyapa umat di jalanan, dia terjatuh, bagian mata kirinya membentur mobil kepausan, dan alisnya pun mengeluarkan darah. Namun, alih-alih menghentikan aktivitasnya, dia melanjutkan. Setelah menerima perawatan medis yang cepat, dia tak berhenti menyapa umatnya. Meski sakit, ia menemui umat Tuhan bahkan dengan senyuman yang lebih cerah. Paus Fransiskus tampak seperti buruh yang bekerja keras. Namun, suatu ketika dia diwawancara dan dia diminta untuk menjelaskan dirinya dalam satu kata. Dia menjawab bahwa dia adalah seorang berdosa! Jika Paus yang penuh kasih dan kudus ini menganggap dirinya berdosa, siapakah kita untuk berpikir bahwa kita adalah orang paling benar?

Terlalu fokus pada diri kita sendiri, kita sering tidak melihat apa yang sebenarnya sang pemilik kebun anggur lakukan di dalam perumpamaan ini. Dia berusaha untuk mencari pekerja, bukan hanya sekali, tapi empat kali. Ini bertentangan dengan logika bisnis. Mengapa kamu mempekerjakan lebih banyak jika kamu memiliki cukup banyak pekerja untuk hari ini? Mengapa kamu menghamburkan uang bagi mereka yang bekerja hanya selama satu jam? Ini adalah resep sempurna untuk kebangkrutan usahamu! Namun, inti perumpamaan ini bukanlah tentang bisnis dan keuntungan, tapi tentang mencari dengan tekun dan merangkul mereka yang tersesat dan hilang. Ini tentang kita orang berdosa, yang tidak layak untuk Dia, namun Tuhan tetap setia dalam mencari dan memanggil kita.

Sungguh sesuatu yang membahagiakan mengetahui bahwa kita adalah “orang-orang yang menganggur di jalanan”, tetapi Tuhan tetap ingin kita menjadi bagian dari keluarga-Nya. Sekarang, tugas kita untuk menanggapi rahmat-Nya dengan komitmen dan kasih bagi sesama. Seperti pekerja yang datang terakhir, kita hanya memiliki “satu jam”, dan sekarang saatnya untuk membuat yang terbaik bagi Dia yang telah sangat berbelaskasihan kepada kita.

Frater Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Fraternal Correction

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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. September 10, 2017 [Matthew 18:15-20]

“If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.  (Mat 18:15)”

fraternalcorrectJesus understands that in any human community, including His own community of disciples, or the Church, there are always members affected by human weakness and sinfulness. Even in the Christ-oriented communities like the religious convents, the parishes, and various ministries and groups in the Church, inevitably we are hurting each other. Thus, Jesus, the Just God and merciful man, outlines a procedure or ‘fraternal correction’ to deal with misunderstanding, quarrels, and conflicts. It begins with the individual and personal encounter, then when it does not work, we ask the help of a witness or mediator, and lastly it goes up to the community level.

Every stage is important, but the first step is always decisive. The first level is challenging because it requires both humility to accept one’s weakness as well as prudence to express the message of reconciliation in a charitable manner. Yet, the temptation is that either we skip this preliminary level or we execute it without charity. Without mercy, things will just get worse, and the individual encounter will collapse or even turn violent. Often also, to avoid direct confrontation, we jump to the next level. Instead talking personally and privately to the person, we expose them to the public. Either we talk behind them, even creating gossips, or we shame and humiliate them in public. I myself are struggling with this process of fraternal correction. I am basically introvert, and I have tendency to keep things to myself and avoid direct confrontation. Things may seem peaceful, but I know I do not resolve the problems.

The first step is fundamental because after all, we all are members the same community, the same Church. We are all children of God, and thus, brothers and sisters to one another. As our Father in heaven deals mercifully with us, we are also learning to deal with others in mercy. Being merciful means willing to talk and try to understand the other side of the corner. Often, after being offended, we just do nothing but harbor prejudices, then fueling more anger and grudges, but perhaps, they have their own stories that need to be heard. Once in my Postulancy, I got annoyed with an outspoken brother who often criticized me. Later, I discovered also many brothers had the same sentiment. Sometimes, things got escalated, and some brothers refused to talk to him anymore. Till one day, we had a faith sharing, and we learned that he came from a dysfunctional family. His father left the family, and as the oldest son, he had to work and assume the responsibilities for his younger siblings. He had a hard life and he had to be tough also to discipline his younger siblings. Then, we understood why he was also tough with us, his younger brothers.

Often we understand the stages of fraternal correction ends with things settled by the community or Church, but actually Jesus offers one final step. We need to pray. Before we begin the entire process, we should pray. When we bring things to God in prayer, we are no longer controlled by emotions, we start to suspect the good in others, and we have more serenity to forgive. At the end of the process, we pray together asking for forgiveness and healing. My friend and brother in the Order, John Paul, does not agree that time heals. For him, time does not heal, but only God heals. We remember that when two or three people, especially those are in conflict, gather together in prayer, Jesus is there.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP