Second Sunday of Advent

December 9, 2018

Luke 3:1-6

During my ordination, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan asked this question to us who would receive the sacred order, “Are you weak enough?” The question was mind-blogging and unexpected because often we have strength, power, and talents as our favorite subjects, and even obsession. We like to show to the world that we are achievers and conquerors. We parade our good education, high-earning job, or a beautiful face. The ‘superior’ mentality does not only affect the lay people traversing in the ordinary world, but also people dressed in white walking through the corridors of the Church. The clergy, as well as religious men and women, are not immune to this hunger for approval and sense of worthiness.

I have to admit also that our formation in the religious life is colored with this kind of ‘spirit.’ The study is important in our Dominican tradition, and we are struggling to meet the academic demands of philosophy and theology. Those who are excelling are honored, but those who are falling, are facing expulsion. Prayer and community life are basic in our spirituality, and we are living to meet the expectations in the seminary or convent, like regular prayers and various community activities. Those who meet the standards may pass the evaluation for ordination or religious profession, but those who are often late or absent, are deemed to have no vocation. Preaching is our name, and we give our all in our ministries. Those who are successful in their apostolate are exemplary, but those who are not able to deliver a good speech may wonder whether they are in the Order or ‘out of order.’

The ordination is for the worthy ones, meaning for those who ace all the requirements. However, the good archbishop reminds us that relying too much on our strength and goodness, we may hamper the work of God in us. When we become too handsome, the people begin focusing on us, rather than the beauty of the liturgy. When we preach too brilliantly, the people start admiring us rather than the Truth of the Word. When we teach too brightly, we outshine the Wisdom made flesh. We forget that all power  and talents we have, belong to God, not ours. What we have, are weaknesses.

However, it is only in our weakness that God’s strength is shining brightly. He called Moses who was a murderer and a fugitive, to liberate Israel from the slavery. He called Jonah, a reluctant prophet, to save Nineveh. He chose Simon Peter, who betrayed Jesus, to be the leader of His Church. He appointed Paul, the Pharisee and the persecutor of Christians, to be the greatest apostle. He elected Mary, a poor and insignificant young woman, to be the mother of God.  Are we weak enough to allow God’s strength working in us? Are we enough to allow God’s beauty shining through us? Are we weak enough to let other people see God’s wisdom in us? Are we strong enough to admit that we are weak?

Deacon Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP