Tag: Vocation

Vocation and Profession

On By bayuopIn Easter, EnglishLeave a comment

4th Sunday of Easter [B]

April 21, 2024

John 10:11-18

Profession and vocation look similar and can even be interchanged. A woman, feeling a calling to heal others, chooses to pursue a career as a doctor. After years of training, she begins to work at a hospital or clinic, serve her patients, and earn a living. In this example, there is no significant difference between a profession and a vocation. But, looking deeper, the two are fundamentally different. However, what are the differences? How does this affect our faith and lives?

Simply put, professions are what we do, and vocations are who we are. The former is about ‘doing,’, and the latter is about ‘being.’ We do professions for a living, whereas vocations are our lives. The professions remain as long as we work or are employed, but when we are no longer working, we lose that profession or change to another. However, vocations define who we are. We do not lose our vocations when we stop working; in fact, our vocation gives identity to our actions. Some vocations only stop when we die, but some go into eternity.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the best example we have. Jesus distinguishes Himself from ‘the hired men’ who do the same stuff as the shepherd but for profit. Thus, they will prioritize themselves, run, and abandon the flock when dangers come. Jesus’ vocation is shepherd; consequently, the sheep are an integral part of Jesus’ identity. Without sheep, a shepherd cannot be a shepherd. Yet, it is not enough to accept one’s vocation; we must live fully our vocations fully. Like Jesus, it is not enough to be any shepherd; Jesus chooses to be the ‘good’ shepherd, one who sacrifices his life for the salvation of his sheep.

There are different types of vocations in the Catholic Church. Firstly, our vocation is to be Christians. Then, we have those called to married lives, as husbands and wives, to families, fathers, and mothers. Some are also called to become religious women and men, as well as ordained ministers. These are vocations because they tell us about our identity, mission, and life. As a father, one does not simply do the fatherly stuff; in everything he does, he does it as a father. The same goes for other vocations.

One day, a parishioner came and told me that she had just had a miscarriage. She was distraught. Losing her baby daughter was extremely painful, and without a child, she believed that she had failed to be a mother. Then, I told her that she did not fail, and once she was a mother, she was always a mother. Even though she lost her daughter on earth, she still had her in the afterlife. The Catholic faith teaches that she must keep loving and caring for her daughter, albeit in different ways, spiritually. Her vocation as a mother is everlasting.

We all have our vocations, but it is not enough to accept them. Like Jesus, the good shepherd, we must choose to live our vocations fully.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Climbing the Mountain

On By bayuopIn English, LentLeave a comment

Second Sunday of Lent [B]

February 28, 2021

Mark 9:2-11

Mountain is a special place in the Bible. It is a place where God meets His people. In the Old Testament, there are many instances where mountains become a pivotal point of salvation history. After the great flood that cleansed the world, the Ark of Noah landed on Mount Ararat, and there, Noah offered sacrifice to God [see Gen 8:4]. Abraham was asked by God to offer his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. Just right before the sacrifice, the angel of God prevented Abraham and God recognized Abraham’s faith [see Gen 22]. When Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Moses saw a burning bush yet was not consumed, and there, on the mount of Horeb, God called Moses to save Israelites from the Egyptians [see Exo 3]. After the liberation from Egypt, Moses and the Israelites the Law and established a covenant with God on the mount of Sinai [see Exo 24:18].

Jesus’ important life events took place in the Mountains. There is the mountain of temptation, where the devil brought Jesus and offered Him the worldly glories. There is the mountain of prayer, where Jesus spent His solitude with the Father. There is the mountain of teaching, where Jesus taught the most remarkable lessons like Beatitudes and love for enemies. There is a mountain of Transfiguration, where Jesus manifested His divine glory. There is the mountain of the cross, or Golgotha, where Jesus gave His life for our salvation. Lastly, there is the mountain of ascension, where Jesus went back to the heavens and sent His disciples to preach and baptize all the nations.

One distinctive feature in the Mount of Transfiguration is that he invited three disciples: Peter, James, and John. There are many reasons why these three were selected. St. Ambrose of Milan, representing the Fathers of the Church, believed that these three were chosen because of Peter who received the kingdoms’ keys, John, to whom was committed our Lord’s mother, and James who first suffered martyrdom. Meanwhile, St. Thomas Aquinas, a Middle age theologian, argued that James was the first martyr, John was the most beloved, and Peter was the one who loves Jesus most. However, we can also see it in a simple way. These three were disciples who were ready to follow Jesus and climb the high mountain.

Climbing the mountain is a challenging mission. One has to make necessary preparation without being excessive. Climbing requires physical stamina as well as mental toughness. As the climbing progresses, the persons’ authentic characters will be revealed. Facing difficulty, one can be very selfish or selfless. Confronting challenges, one can march with courage or retreat in fear. In a dire situation, one can exhibit decisive leadership or get panicked and lose his way. Peter, James, and John were up for the challenge, and they persevered to see the transfigured Jesus.

Often Jesus calls us to climb a mountain with Him. Sometimes, we climb the mountain of prayer as we need to face many hurdles in our prayer life. Occasionally, we need to climb the mountain of teaching because we are struggling with the Church’s particular teachings. Sometimes, we climb the mountain of Calvary, and we need to carry our cross, and on the top, we find no consolation but the death of the Savior.

Yet, the good news is that Jesus, who invited us to climb the mountain, is also walking with us. As we walk with Jesus, He guides us, strengthens us, and forms us. If we are faithful in mountains of temptations and Calvary, we will participate in His Transfiguration, resurrection, and ascension.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

photocredit: Tim Foster

Empat Puluh Hari di Padang Gurun

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Minggu Pertama Prapaskah [B]

21 Februari 2021

Markus 1: 12-15

Mengapa Yesus harus tinggal di padang gurun selama 40 hari? Jawabannya tidak sulit. Dia mengulangi apa yang dilakukan orang Israel ketika mereka dibebaskan dari perbudakan Mesir. Orang Israel tinggal selama 40 tahun di padang gurun sebelum mereka memasuki tanah perjanjian. Namun, ada satu hal lagi! Markus memberi kita detail kecil namun penting: di padang gurun, Yesus tinggal bersama binatang-binatang. Kenapa demikian? Jika ada satu orang yang hidup bersama para binatang di dalam kitab suci, dia tidak lain adalah Adam. Yesus bukan hanya Israel baru yang menanggung kondisi keras padang gurun, tetapi juga Adam baru yang menghadapi serangan setan.

Yesus memasuki padang gurun selama empat puluh hari dan Dia diuji di sana oleh kondisi keras gurun Yudea. Tidak hanya menghadapi tandusnya gurun, tetapi Yesus juga menghadapi iblis itu di sana. Dari sini saja, kita dapat melihat hubungan yang kuat antara bangsa Israel di padang gurun dan Yesus, serta antara Adam dan Yesus. Seperti Israel kuno yang bergumul dengan ego mereka sendiri, Yesus juga menanggung kelemahan manusia. Seperti Adam menghadapi si penggoda, Yesus juga dicobai oleh iblis. Namun terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan.

Sementara orang Israel menggerutu dan mengeluh, Yesus dengan setia berpuasa dan berdoa. Sementara orang Israel menggerutu untuk mendapatkan makanan, dan Adam memakan buah terlarang, Yesus menolak godaan Setan untuk mengubah batu menjadi roti. Sementara orang Israel kehilangan iman dan menyembah iblis dalam bentuk anak lembu emas, dan Adam ingin menjadi seperti Tuhan, Yesus menolak untuk tunduk kepada iblis meskipun semua kemuliaan duniawi yang ditawarkannya. Sementara orang Israel kehilangan harapan atas tanah perjanjian dan Adam menyalahkan sang wanita, Yesus tetap teguh dan menolak untuk menguji Tuhan. Yesus adalah Israel baru dan Adam baru. Sementara Israel lama goyah dan Adam menyerah pada pencobaan dan godaan, Yesus tampil sebagai pemenang. Yesus mengoreksi dan menyempurnakan Israel lama dan Adam lama.

Kita adalah tubuh Kristus, dan kita adalah bagian dari Israel baru. Saat Yesus memasuki padang gurun, demikianlah kita pergi ke pertempuran rohani kita. Namun, kita hanya bisa menjadi pemenang ketika kita mengandalkan kepada Tuhan dan berpartisipasi di dalam Kristus. Iblis jauh lebih kuat dari kita, dan tanpa Tuhan, kita pasti akan kalah.

Bagaimana kita akan menang melawan pertempuran spiritual ini? Yesus memberi kita tipsnya: puasa-pantang, amal dan doa. Puasa membuat kita lapar namun menyadarkan kita bahwa tidak semua keinginan jasmani kita harus segera dipenuhi. Karya amal mungkin melukai kantong kita, tetapi itu membuka kita pada kebenaran bahwa kita bisa hidup bermakna dengan memberi, bukan menimbun. Doa mungkin terkesan hanya membuang-buang waktu, tetapi doa membawa kita kepada kenyataan paling mendasar bahwa tanpa Tuhan, kita bukan apa-apa. Kita adalah bagian dari Adam baru dan Israel baru, dan hanya di dalam Dia, kita mencapai kemenangan sejati kita.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

We are Fishers of Men

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

January 24, 2021

Mark 1:14-20

We once again listen to the story of the calling of the first disciples: Simon and Andrew, as well as James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus called them, and He would make them ‘the fishers of men.’ Yet, from countless possibilities of professions and occupations, why did they have to be ‘the fishers of men’? Why not merely Jesus’ promotion team? Why not Jesus’ soldiers?

The answer is not far from who the first disciples were. They were fishermen of Galilee. Yet, this time, they were no longer catching fish but gathering people for Christ. While they left almost everything behind and followed Jesus, they brought their lives, characters, experiences, and skills with them. They remained fishermen, but this time Jesus transformed the object of their catch: men and women.

The second reason why they were called ‘fishers of men’ is even more profound. It speaks of the fulfillment of the Old Testament’s prophesy. The great prophet Jeremiah who lived around 500 years before Christ, once said, “For I will bring them back to their land that I gave to their ancestors. I am now sending for many fishermen, says the Lord, and they shall catch them… [Jer 16:15-16].” The historical context of this prophecy is critical. After Salomon’s reign, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two smaller kingdoms. The northern kingdom was the coalition of 10 tribes, and the southern kingdom was the tribe, Judah and Benjamin. In 721 SM, the northern kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrian empire, and the ten tribes were deported to foreign lands. Then in 587 SM, the southern kingdom was demolished by the Babylonian empire, and the inhabitants were brought to the Babylonian lands. Jeremiah prophesied that God would bring back the scattered Israelites by sending ‘fishermen.’

By calling His first disciples as ‘fishers of men,’ Jesus was fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy. Jesus was gathering back the lost tribes of Israelites to Himself as the new Israel. This is why Jesus called and chose twelve apostles. The twelve apostles shall serve as the leaders of the new twelve tribes of Israel.

The identity and mission as ‘fishers of men’ are primarily for the apostles, yet every baptized Christians are sharing in this identity. We are fishers of men and women for Christ. Some of us may be called to get a quantity gain, like a priest who baptized thousands of people. Some of us may be invited to have a quantity yield, like parents who raise and educate their children as mature and responsible Catholics. Some of us stand in between these two kinds of catches, like zealous catechists, courageous lay missionaries, faithful religious sisters who take care of schools or orphanages, or indefatigable community leaders.

Surely to be a fisherman is not a stress-free job. Sometimes, we are facing storms and dangers. Sometimes, we are getting nothing after our best effort. Occasionally, we get in a disagreement with our fellow fishermen. However, the Gospel reminds us that we are not fishermen because we are good, but because Jesus calls us and makes us His fishermen. We draw our purpose and strength from Jesus because we are participating in Jesus’ mission to gather people to Himself. We are working together with apostles to fulfill God’s promise of the New Israel. We are the fishers of men.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

photocredit: paolo-nicolello

Kita adalah Penjala Manusia

On By bayuopIn Bahasa, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

Minggu ke-3 di Masa Biasa [B]

24 Januari 2021

Markus 1: 14-20

Kita mendengarkan kisah panggilan murid-murid pertama: Simon dan Andreas, juga Yakobus dan Yohanes, anak-anak Zebedeus. Yesus memanggil mereka dan Dia akan menjadikan mereka ‘penjala manusia’. Namun, dari berbagai profesi dan pekerjaan yang tak terhitung jumlahnya, mengapa mereka harus menjadi ‘penjala manusia’? Mengapa tidak jadi tim promosi Yesus? Mengapa bukan tentara Yesus?

Jawabannya tidak jauh dari siapa murid pertama itu. Mereka adalah para nelayan di Galilea. Namun, kali ini, mereka tidak lagi menangkap ikan, tetapi mengumpulkan orang bagi Kristus. Meskipun mereka meninggalkan hampir semuanya dan mengikuti Yesus, pada dasarnya mereka membawa serta kehidupan, karakter, pengalaman, dan keterampilan mereka. Mereka tetap menjadi nelayan, tetapi kali ini Yesus mengubah objek yang mereka tangkap: manusia.

Alasan kedua mengapa mereka disebut ‘penjala manusia’ bahkan lebih bermakna. Hal ini berbicara tentang pemenuhan sebuah nubuat di Perjanjian Lama. Nabi besar Yeremia yang hidup sekitar 500 tahun sebelum Kristus, pernah berkata, “Sebab Aku akan membawa mereka pulang ke tanah yang telah Kuberikan kepada nenek moyang mereka. Sesungguhnya, Aku mau menyuruh banyak penangkap ikan, demikianlah firman TUHAN, yang akan menangkap mereka… [Yer 16: 15-16].” Untuk mengerti maksud nubuat ini, kita perlu melihat konteks historisnya. Setelah pemerintahan raja Salomon, kerajaan Israel terbagi menjadi dua kerajaan yang lebih kecil. Kerajaan utara yang merupakan gabungan 10 suku, dan kerajaan selatan yaitu suku Yehuda dan Benyamin. Pada 721 SM, kerajaan utara dihancurkan oleh kekaisaran Asyur, dan sepuluh suku itu dideportasi ke negeri asing. Kemudian pada tahun 587 SM, kerajaan bagian selatan dihancurkan oleh kerajaan Babel, dan penduduknya dibawa ke tanah Babel. Yeremia bernubuat bahwa Tuhan akan mengembalikan bangsa Israel yang tercerai-berai dengan mengirim ‘penangkap ikan’.

Dengan menyebut murid-murid-Nya yang pertama sebagai ‘penjala manusia’, Yesus sedang memenuhi nubuat Yeremia. Yesus sedang mengumpulkan kembali suku-suku Israel yang hilang di dalam diri-Nya sebagai Israel baru. Inilah mengapa Yesus memanggil dan memilih dua belas rasul. Kedua belas rasul akan menjadi pemimpin dari dua belas suku baru Israel.

Identitas dan misi sebagai ‘penjala manusia’ ini tidak hanya bagi para rasul, namun setiap orang yang telah dibaptis berbagi dalam identitas ini. Kita adalah penjala manusia bagi Kristus. Beberapa dari kita mungkin dipanggil untuk mendapatkan tangkapan yang berlimpah, seperti seorang imam yang membaptis ribuan orang. Beberapa dari kita mungkin dipanggil untuk memiliki hasil yang berkualitas, seperti orang tua yang membesarkan dan mendidik anak-anak mereka sebagai orang Katolik yang dewasa dan bertanggung jawab. Beberapa dari kita berdiri di antara dua jenis tangkapan ini, seperti katekis yang berdedikasi, misionaris awam yang berani, suster yang setia mengurus sekolah atau panti asuhan, atau pemimpin komunitas yang tak kenal lelah.

Pastinya menjadi nelayan bukanlah pekerjaan yang bebas stres. Terkadang, kita menghadapi badai dan bahaya. Terkadang, kita tidak mendapatkan apa-apa setelah usaha terbaik kita. Terkadang, kita berselisih paham dengan sesama pekerja. Namun, Injil mengingatkan kita bahwa kita bukan penjala manusia karena kita layak dan sempurna, tetapi karena Yesus memanggil kita dan menjadikan kita penjala manusia-Nya. Kita mengambil tujuan dan kekuatan kita dari Yesus karena kita berpartisipasi dalam misi Yesus untuk menyatukan seluruh umat manusia di dalam-Nya. Kita bekerja dengan para rasul untuk memenuhi janji Tuhan tentang Israel Baru. Kita adalah penjala manusia.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

photocredit: fredrik ohlander

We are the Magi

On By bayuopIn Christmas, EnglishLeave a comment

The Epiphany of the Lord

January 3, 2021

Matthew 2:1-12

The Christmas season ends with the feast of Epiphany of the Lord or the Feast of the Three Kings. However, if we read the Gospel carefully, we will discover that one who visited Jesus is magi, and the word “king” is not used to describe them. The Gospel of Matthew also reveals neither their number nor names. St. Matthew only speaks of three gifts offered: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Magi is coming from the Greek word ‘magos’, and it is the same root word for magic. In his book ‘Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives,’ Pope Benedict XVI explains that Magi has a wide range of meanings. In one sense, it may point to a black magician like Simon the Magician [see Acts 8:9-24], but in another sense, the magi may refer to the philosophers of noble birth coming from the land of Persia. Ancient philosophers are educated people who devoted themselves to the pursuit of wisdom. This is the reason why we call the magi also the wise men. It seems that the wise men have eventually discovered through their careful study, that the great king who is the embodiment of wisdom herself has been born in the land of Judea.

Are they kings? The Church recognizes that the magi who brought three particular gifts are the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Isaiah said, “Nations shall walk by your light,

and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you… bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD [Isa 60:3-4,6; which is our first reading].” In short, Isaiah prophesized that the light will guide kings, and they will come and bring gifts of gold and frankincense, and praise the Lord. The magi match the description of Isaiah’s prophecy, and from here, we can also say that the magi are also kings who were guided by the light of the star and offered precious gifts to Jesus. They might be indeed kings of small nations or perhaps, members of royalty, otherwise Herod the great would not have received them in his palace and welcome them cordially.

What about their names? Writing from the 8th century, ‘Excerpta Latina barbari,’ introduces them as Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar. Whether these are their real name or not, we are never sure. However, we are invited to have the spirit and character of these wise men.

To find Jesus, they left their homes’ comfort and embarked into a long and challenging journey. They also learned to open their hearts as they discovered that the great king is not in Herod’s palace, but a poor home of Joseph and Mary. Ultimately, they humbled themselves before Jesus as they worshipped Him and offered the best gifts representing their lives. Then, they may go home with great joy.

Epiphany means God’s manifestation to the nations, yet this manifestation requires the magi to get up, search, and be humble. We are the magi. We are invited to look diligently for Jesus. To be baptized, catholic is undoubtedly excellent, but it is just the first step of our incredible journey. We are called to go deeper into the beauty of our faith. We are challenged to see Jesus in even the most unexpected places. Unless we go out and seek, we never find. It is because we are the magi.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Kita adalah Orang Majus

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Hari Raya Epifani

3 Januari 2021

Matius 2: 1-12

Masa Natal diakhiri dengan hari raya Penampakan Tuhan Yesus atau juga dikenal sebagai Pesta Tiga Raja. Namun, jika kita membaca Injil dengan cermat, kita akan menemukan bahwa orang yang mengunjungi Yesus adalah orang majus, dan kata ‘raja’ tidak digunakan untuk mendeskripsikan mereka. Injil Matius juga tidak menyebutkan berapa atau nama mereka. St. Matius hanya berbicara tentang tiga hadiah yang dipersembahkan: emas, kemenyan dan mur.

Majus berasal dari kata Yunani ‘magos’ dan ini adalah akar kata yang sama untuk ‘magic’. Dalam bukunya ‘Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives’, Paus Benediktus XVI menjelaskan bahwa kata ‘magos’ memiliki arti yang cukup luas. Di satu sisi, kata ‘magos’ menunjuk pada seorang penyihir seperti Simon yang mencoba membeli rahmat dari Petrus [lihat Kisah Para Rasul 8: 9-24], tetapi dalam arti lain, ‘magos’ merujuk pada para filsuf dari keluarga bangsawan yang datang dari tanah Persia. Filsuf kuno adalah orang-orang terpelajar yang mengabdikan diri untuk mencari kebijaksanaan. Inilah alasan mengapa kita menyebut orang majus sebagai orang bijak. Mereka tidak berhenti sampai menemukan sang Kebijaksanaan itu sendiri.

Apakah mereka raja? Gereja melihat bahwa orang majus yang membawa tiga hadiah ini adalah penggenapan nubuat kuno. Yesaya berkata, “Bangsa-bangsa berduyun-duyun datang kepada terangmu, dan raja-raja kepada cahaya yang terbit bagimu. Angkatlah mukamu dan lihatlah ke sekeliling, mereka semua datang berhimpun kepadamu… akan membawa emas dan kemenyan,  serta memberitakan perbuatan masyhur Tuhan. [Yes 60: 3-4,6; yang merupakan bacaan pertama kita].”

Singkatnya, Yesaya menubuatkan bahwa raja-raja akan dibimbing oleh cahaya dan mereka akan datang membawa persembahan emas dan kemenyan, dan memuji Tuhan. Dari sini, kita juga bisa mengatakan bahwa orang majus juga adalah raja yang dibimbing oleh cahaya bintang dan mempersembahkan hadiah berharga kepada Yesus. Mereka mungkin sungguh raja dari kerajaan kecil di timur atau anggota keluarga kerajaan, jika tidak Herodes Agung tidak akan menerima mereka di istananya dan menyambut mereka dengan hormat.

Bagaimana dengan nama mereka? Sebuah tulisan yang berasal dari abad ke-8, ‘Excerpta latina barbari,’ memperkenalkan mereka sebagai Balthasar, Melchior dan Gaspar. Apakah ini nama asli mereka? Kita tidak pernah tahu dengan pasti. Namun, kita diajak untuk memiliki semangat dan karakter orang majus tersebut.

Untuk menemukan Yesus, mereka meninggalkan kenyamanan tempat tinggal mereka, dan memulai perjalanan yang panjang dan sulit. Mereka belajar juga untuk membuka hati mereka ketika mereka menemukan bahwa raja agung tidak ada di istana Herodes, tetapi ada di keluarga miskin Yusuf dan Maria. Akhirnya, mereka merendahkan diri di hadapan Yesus saat mereka menyembah Dia dan mempersembahkan hadiah terbaik yang mewakili hidup mereka. Hanya dengan demikian, mereka bisa pulang dengan penuh sukacita.

Epifani berarti penampakan Tuhan kepada bangsa-bangsa, namun hal ini menuntut orang majus untuk bangkit, mencari dan menjadi rendah hati. Kita adalah orang majus. Kita diundang untuk mencari Yesus dengan tekun. Dibaptis menjadi katolik memang rahmat yang luar biasa, tetapi ini adalah langkah awal dari perjalanan besar kita. Kita dipanggil untuk masuk lebih dalam lagi untuk menemukan keindahan iman kita. Kita ditantang untuk melihat Yesus bahkan di tempat yang paling tidak terduga. Jika kita tidak mau pergi dan mencari, kita tidak pernah menemukan-Nya. Ingat bahwa kita adalah orang majus.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

photocredit: jeff jewiss

Mary’s Fiat

On By bayuopIn Advent, EnglishLeave a comment

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

December 20, 2020

Luke 1:28-36

Christmas is fast approaching, and the Church is inviting us to reflect on the story of the Annunciation. Allow me to once more focus on the Blessed Virgin’s Fiat. To appreciate her answer to God’s will and plan, we need to see at least two things. Firstly, it is her historical and social context. Secondly, it is the language analysis of her response.

Mary was a young girl. According to tradition, she was around 13 or 14 years old when she got married. For many of us, living in urban settings, Mary’s marriage was remarkably too early. But, this kind of practice was nothing but expected. Lives were hard, and many people died too young due to sickness, famine, calamity, or wars. To sustain a healthy number of populations, young girls were prepared for the duty of motherhood.

Mary was betrothed to Joseph from the family of David. In the Jewish community, betrothal is the first formal step in a Jewish marriage. The exchange of vows was done in this betrothal. Mary and Joseph were spouses in the eye of Jewish law and society, except for the intimate relationship. The couple had to wait around one year before the bride moved to the house prepared by the groom from the betrothal. Usually, there was a light procession from the bride’s original place to the new house, where the wedding ceremony and reception would occur.

Legally, Mary was Joseph’s wife, and if something wrong happened, it was judged to be adultery. The Law of Moses abhors adultery since it reflects Israel’s infidelity toward Yahweh, breaking the sacred covenant. Thus, for those who were unfaithful, severe punishment awaited them. In Deu 20:22, the Torah explicitly stated that if a betrothed woman commits adultery, she and the man shall be stoned to death.  As a good Jew, Mary was aware of this terrible consequence when archangel Gabriel announced the glad tiding. If she gave her affirmation, she might face certain, untimely death. Nobody would believe her if she tried to defend her supernatural virginal conception. “She must be insane!” some would say. However, despite this imminent horrible future, Mary accepted her mission.

Now, why did she say her Fiat? I used to think that Mary’s fiat is about surrendering everything to God.  She did not understand, but her faith enabled her to trust in God’s providence. In the face of ominous dangers, to have this kind of faith is extremely remarkable. However, as I read more about this Fiat, I discover that Mary’s Fiat is more than an act of self-surrender. The Greek word used by Mary is “genomai.” This word is rather special because it expresses not an act of submission but an act of longing. This tiny detail spells the great difference. Mary did not just submit to the will of God, but she longed to do it. She was not passively accepting her fate but rather proactively fulfilling God’s plan in her. There were no traces of fear, doubt, and worry. Her yes was driven by passion, hope, and eagerness. Despite bleak tomorrow, she knew that she was about to depart into an unimaginably amazing journey. For her, the Lord’s plan is always the best and the only way to reach our utmost potential.

Do we have what it takes to have Mary’s Fiat?

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

photocredit: Phil hearing

Fiat Maria

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Minggu Keempat di Waktu Biasa [B]

20 Desember 2020

Lukas 1: 28-36

Natal semakin dekat dan Gereja mengundang kita sekali lagi untuk merenungkan kisah Kabar Sukacita. Izinkan saya untuk sekali lagi fokus pada “Fiat” atau jawaban Ya Perawan Maria [Fiat sendiri berasal dari bahasa Latin, artinya “terjadilah”]. Untuk mengerti lebih dalam jawaban Maria atas kehendak dan rencana Tuhan, kita perlu melihat setidaknya dua hal. Pertama, konteks sejarah dan sosialnya, dan kedua adalah analisis bahasa dari tanggapan Maria.

Maria adalah seorang gadis muda. Menurut tradisi, dia berusia sekitar 13 atau 14 tahun saat menikah dengan Yusuf. Bagi banyak dari kita yang tinggal di lingkungan perkotaan, pernikahan semacam ini terlalu dini. Tapi, praktik semacam ini tidak hanya wajar tetapi dibutuhkan. Kehidupan pada zaman itu sangat sulit, dan banyak orang meninggal dalam usia muda karena penyakit, kelaparan, bencana atau perang. Untuk menopang jumlah populasi yang sehat, gadis-gadis muda harus dipersiapkan untuk menjalankan tugas seorang  ibu.

Injil menjelaskan bahwa Maria “bertunangan” dengan Yusuf dari keluarga Daud. Kata pertunangan sebenarnya kurang tepat, karena tidak menggambarkan realitas yang terjadi. Dalam komunitas Yahudi, ada dua tahap pernikahan. Tahap pertama adalah pertukaran janji antara pria dan wanita. Dengan pertukaran janji ini, Maria dan Yusuf sudah menjadi pasangan suami istri di mata hukum dan masyarakat Yahudi. Dari pertukaran janji ini, pasangan ini harus menunggu sekitar satu tahun sebelum pengantin wanita memasuki rumah yang telah disiapkan oleh pengantin pria. Biasanya, tahap kedua ini dimulai dengan prosesi cahaya dari tempat asal pengantin wanita ke rumah barunya yang menjadi tempat berbagai ritual upacara pernikahan dan resepsi akan dilangsungkan.

Secara hukum, Maria adalah istri Yusuf, dan jika Maria tidak setia, hal ini dianggap perzinaan. Hukum Taurat membenci perzinaan karena hal ini mencerminkan ketidaksetiaan Israel terhadap Yahwe, sebuah pelanggaran dari perjanjian suci. Karena itu, bagi mereka yang tidak setia, hukuman berat menanti mereka. Dalam Ulangan 20:22, Hukum Taurat secara eksplisit menyatakan bahwa jika seorang wanita yang telah mengikrarkan janji nikah dan melakukan perzinaan, dia dan pria itu akan dilempari batu sampai mati. Sebagai seorang Yahudi yang baik, Maria menyadari konsekuensi yang mengerikan ini, ketika malaikat agung Gabriel menyatakan kepadanya sebuah kabar gembira. Jika dia memberikan persetujuannya, besar kemungkinannya Maria akan menghadapi kematian yang mengenaskan. Tentunya, siapa yang akan mempercayai Maria jika dia mencoba menjelaskan bahwa bayi yang dikandungannya adalah karena kuasa Roh Kudus. Orang-orang akan berkata, “Dia pasti sudah gila!”. Namun, meski masa depan mengerikan menunggunya, Maria tetap menerima misinya.

Sekarang mengapa dia mengatakan Fiat? Saya dulu berpikir bahwa Fiat Maria adalah tentang menyerahkan segalanya kepada Tuhan. Dia tidak mengerti tetapi imannya memungkinkan dia untuk percaya dan berpasrah kepada Tuhan. Dalam menghadapi bahaya yang mengancam jiwanya, iman seperti ini sanggatlah luar biasa. Namun, saat saya membaca lebih banyak tentang Fiat ini, saya menemukan bahwa Fiat Maria lebih dari sekadar tindakan penyerahan atau pasrah diri. Kata Yunani yang digunakan Maria adalah “genomai”. Kata ini istimewa karena sejatinya tidak mengungkapkan penyerahan, tetapi kerinduan.

Detail kecil ini menunjukkan perbedaan yang besar. Maria tidak hanya sekedar tunduk pada kehendak Tuhan, tetapi dia berhasrat untuk berpartisipasi dalam pemenuhannya. Dia tidak pasif menerima takdirnya, melainkan secara proaktif memenuhi rencana Tuhan dalam dirinya. Tidak ada jejak ketakutan, keraguan dan kekhawatiran. Fiat Maria didorong oleh semangat, harapan, dan keinginan kuat. Meskipun hari esok suram, dia tahu bahwa dia akan berangkat ke perjalanan yang luar biasa tak terbayangkan bersama Tuhan. Bagi Maria, rencana Tuhan selalu merupakan rencana terbaik, dan satu-satunya jalan untuk mencapai potensi terbaik kita, keselamatan kita.

Apakah kita melihat seperti Maria melihat? Apakah kita memiliki iman seperti Maria? Apakah Fiat Maria adalah Fiat kita juga?

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

photo credit: arni svanur

 

 

Foolish Virgins

On By bayuopIn English, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 8, 2020

Matthew 25:1-13

A wedding ceremony is one of the most beautiful events in many cultures and societies. This includes the Jewish community in the first century AD Palestine. For the Hebrew people living in the time of Jesus, the wedding ceremony has two stages. The first one is the exchange of vows or betrothal. The couple is officially married, and they are recognized as husband and wife in the eyes of the Jewish community. Yet, they are going to wait for around one year before they are living together. The husband will prepare for the house as well as the reception celebration that may last for seven days.

The second stage is the wedding party. It begins with the groom fetch the bride from her ancestral house, and bring her to his home with a procession of dance and music. Since the procession usually takes place in the evening, fire and torches are indispensable. The ten virgins are part of the wedding ceremony which we may call today as the bridesmaids. They may be some of the close friends of the bride and even relatives of the couples. They are stationed not far from the wedding place to welcome the married couple. Since there is no internet and GPS, the ten virgins may not be able to locate precisely where the procession is, but they are expected to be ready.

It is interesting to see the attitude of the five foolish virgins. In Greek, the virgins are called as “moros” where we get the English word moron. It is undoubtedly a harsh word. Jesus applies the same word after His sermon on the Mount and points to people who listen to His preaching without practising them, “like a foolish man who built his house on sand [Mat 7:26].” Yet, if we observe, what we see that the virgins are doing foolish things. Not only they fail to prepare for the unexpected arrival of the groom, but they also look for the oil in the middle of the night. They are not living in the modern era where we can easily purchase it at the 24-hour convenient stores. The merchants are expectedly unavailable, and we can imagine how they rushingly search the vendors, and frantically knock their doors. This may cause unnecessary inconveniences and bring absolute shame to the couples. This may be the reason also why the wedding’s host refuses to admit these five foolish virgins.

This parable of Jesus gives us a potent reminder not to become foolish in living our lives as Christians. We are given a particular role and mission in our lives. Some of us are called to be married couples and parents.  Some of us are serving as priests or religious men and women. Some of us are teachers of the faith; some of us are leaders of the community, and others are servants. In whatever role we are, Jesus asks us to be wise in doing our ministries and demands us not to do foolish things as to scandalize others or even cause others unnecessary suffering.

If we, as Christians, act foolishly, we bring shame, not only to ourselves but Christ Himself. But, if we think and produce wise deeds, we bring glory to the Lord, and more people will praise our God.

 

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP