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To Receive a Prophet

To Receive a Prophet

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]
July 2, 2023
Matthew 10:37-42

Jesus said, “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward,” At first glance, this statement seems usual, but at a closer look, there is something extraordinary. A prophet of God will receive his reward, but should not a person who welcomes a prophet gains something less? After all, that person simply provides a temporary shelter, perhaps water and food; indeed, he does not labor as hard as the prophet. Then, why did Jesus insist that the host of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward?

To understand the main reason behind Jesus’ extraordinary statement is that we need to know the roles of God’s prophets. A prophet, or in Hebrew נָבִיא (nabi), is a person who receives a gift/charisma to speak on behalf of God. In everyday use, the prophet foretells the future, but when it comes to the prophets of God in the Bible, predicting the future is only one aspect of their roles. The fundamental role of the prophet of God is to remind the people of their covenant with the Lord God and foretell the ugly things that would happen if they persisted in their sins. Thus, prophets of God are synonymous with the preachers of repentance.

Amos spoke against idolatry in Bethel. Elijah confronted wicked kings and queens. Jeremiah preached against injustice and evil deeds committed by Judah. John the Baptist criticized Herod Antipas for marrying his brother’s wife. These are several famous names in the Bible, but they sufficiently tell us what true prophets are. They speak the truth, and truth can be very inconvenient. Thus, many do not like true prophets and even persecute them. Jesus Himself told us, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house (Mat 13:57).”

It is not easy to receive a true prophet. It is hard to accept someone who speaks inconvenient truths about us. We naturally like people who praise and adore us, but we hate people who remind us about our wrongdoings. However, if we open ourselves and welcome the prophet of God into our lives, we receive the prophet’s reward. Yet, again, what is the prophet’s reward?
We may see the answer in the story of Jonah. He preached against the city of Nineveh. The people welcomed and listened to him. They repented, and they survived the disaster that would befall them. The Nineveh was saved because they accepted Jonah. Thus, the prophet’s reward is none other than salvation. As the prophet is saved when he faithfully preaches God’s word to the people despite rejection and persecution, the people will also be saved as they receive the prophet and repent.

Jesus invites us not only to be a prophet who speaks the truth and fidelity to God but also to be someone who accepts a prophet of God in our lives. Receiving is not only welcoming them into our houses but, more fundamentally, listening to their words and being moved toward God. How are the prophets in our lives? Do we reject them, or do we welcome them? What is the inconvenient truth they say that is for us to accept?

Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Takut

Takut

Minggu ke-12 dalam Masa Biasa [A]
25 Juni 2023
Matius 10:26-33

Takut adalah salah satu emosi manusia yang paling mendasar dan primitif. Rasa takut dapat didefinisikan sebagai reaksi emosional dan fisiologis terhadap bahaya atau ancaman yang dirasakan. Pada manusia dan banyak hewan, bagian kuno dari otak kita yang disebut amigdala memainkan peran penting dalam mengatur rasa takut. Ketika potensi ancaman terhadap kehidupan kita dirasakan, amigdala melepaskan hormon stres seperti kortisol dan adrenalin. Hormon-hormon ini meningkatkan kewaspadaan kita dan memperkuat tubuh kita, dan dengan demikian, meningkatkan peluang kita untuk menyelamatkan hidup kita. Amigdala (dan rasa takut) bertanggung jawab atas kelangsungan hidup kita.

Akan tetapi, ada masalah besar. Otak kita, tidak seperti otak hewan, jauh lebih kompleks dan pintar. Amigdala hanyalah bagian yang kecil dari sistem yang lebih besar. Seiring dengan semakin majunya otak kita, pemahaman kita akan rasa takut pun semakin rumit. Kita tidak hanya takut pada bahaya fisik di depan mata kita, seperti api atau hewan buas, tapi juga pada potensi ancaman dan bahaya yang sebenarnya belum ada, atau bahkan tidak akan pernah ada. Dalam batas-batas tertentu, jenis ketakutan ini sesuatu yang normal, tetapi saat ketakutan ini berlebihan, ini menjadi permasalahan serius dalam hidup kita. Ketakutan ini muncul dalam berbagai bentuk seperti ‘overthinking,’ ‘comfort zone’, dan ‘insecurity (minder)’. Ketakutan ini melumpuhkan kita dan bahkan menekan pertumbuhan otentik kita.

Apa yang Yesus ajarkan kepada kita tentang rasa takut? Kita sering membaca dalam Injil bahwa Yesus berkata kepada murid-murid-Nya, “Jangan takut!” Namun, apakah ini berarti Yesus ingin kita menekan emosi kita? Apakah Yesus memerintahkan kita untuk bersikap gegabah dan mengabaikan rasa takut sama sekali? Injil hari ini memberi kita kebijaksanaan yang lebih dalam tentang ajaran Yesus tentang rasa takut. Yesus berkata, “Dan janganlah kamu takut kepada mereka yang dapat membunuh tubuh, tetapi yang tidak berkuasa membunuh jiwa; takutlah terutama kepada Dia yang berkuasa membinasakan baik jiwa maupun tubuh di dalam Gehena (mat 10:28).” Yesus tidak meminta kita untuk mati rasa terhadap semua jenis takut, melainkan untuk mengetahui apa atau siapa yang benar-benar harus kita takuti.

Yesus sangat memahami bahwa rasa takut adalah emosi dasar manusia. Rasa takut memiliki tujuan penting untuk bertahan hidup; tanpa rasa takut, spesies manusia sudah lama punah. Oleh karena itu, membedakan antara objek ketakutan yang nyata dan yang semu sangat penting untuk menangani rasa takut kita dengan benar. Namun, Yesus mengingatkan kita bahwa kita bukan hanya makhluk duniawi tetapi terutama makhluk yang diciptakan untuk Tuhan. Oleh karena itu, kita perlu lebih takut pada hal-hal yang akan memisahkan kita dari Allah, terutama dosa. Ya, secara alamiah kita takut akan hal-hal yang membahayakan tubuh kita, tetapi kita harus lebih takut akan hal-hal yang membahayakan jiwa kita, bahkan jika hal-hal tersebut memberikan kenyamanan dan keamanan bagi tubuh kita. Ajaran Yesus selaras dengan hikmat Perjanjian Lama: takutlah akan Tuhan (lihat Pkh. 12:13; Mzm. 34:9). Kita tidak takut kepada Tuhan karena Dia menakutkan, tetapi kita takut kehilangan Dia untuk selama-lamanya.

Sekarang, saatnya kita mengevaluasi hidup kita. Apa saja objek takut yang semu dalam hidup kita yang menghalangi kita untuk bertumbuh dan mengasihi Tuhan dan sesama kita? Apakah kita lebih takut pada hal-hal yang membahayakan kehidupan duniawi kita atau hal-hal yang menjauhkan kita dari kehidupan kekal? Apakah kita siap untuk menghadapi rasa takut kita demi Yesus?

Roma
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Fear

Fear

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]

June 22, 2023

Matthew 10:26-33

Fear is one of the most basic and primitive human emotions. Fear can be defined as an emotional and physiological reaction to perceived dangers or threats. In humans and many animals, an archaic part of our brain called the amygdala plays an important role in regulating fear. When potential threats to our lives are perceived, the amygdala releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin. These hormones heighten our alertness and strengthen our bodies, and thus, increase our chances of survival. The amygdala (and its fear) is responsible for our survival.

However, there is a big problem. Our brains, unlike animal brains, are much more complex and advanced. Amygdala is just a very small part of a bigger system. As our intellect goes sophisticated, our understanding of fear is getting complicated. We are afraid not only of physical danger before our eyes, like fire, explosion, and venomous animals but also of potential threats and dangers that do not exist yet. Here comes the problem. We fear something that is not a real danger or even something that is not real. This fear manifests in different forms like ‘overthinking,’ ‘staying in your comfort zone,’ and ‘insecurity.’ This fear paralyzes us and even suppresses our authentic growth.

How does Jesus teach us about fear? We often read in the Gospel that Jesus said to His disciples, “Do not fear!” Yet, what does it mean ‘to have no fear’? Does it mean Jesus wants us to repress our emotions? Does Jesus instruct us to be reckless and disregard fear altogether? Today’s Gospel gives us a deeper insight into Jesus’ teaching on fear. Jesus said, “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” Jesus did not ask us to be numb to all kinds of fear but rather to know what or who we must truly fear.

Jesus knows well that fear is fundamental emotion of a human person. Fear serves the critical purpose of survival; without it, the human species would have ceased to exist long ago. Thus, distinguishing between the real objects of fear and the fake ones is imperative in properly handling our fear. However, Jesus reminds us that we are not simply earthly beings but primarily beings created for God. Consequently, we must fear the most things that will separate us from God. Yes, we are naturally afraid of those things that harm our bodies, but we must fear those things that harm our souls more, even if these things give us comfort and security from bodily harm. Jesus’ teaching is in harmony with Old Testament’s wisdom: one must fear the Lord (see Ecc 12:13; Psa 34:9). We do not fear the Lord because He is fearsome, but we fear that we may lose Him for eternity.

Now, it is our time to reflect and evaluate our lives. What are the false objects of fear in our lives prevent us from growing and loving God and our neighbors? Do we fear more those things that harm our earthly lives or those that put us away from eternal life? Are we ready to face our fear for the sake of Jesus?

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Magisterium

Magisterium

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]

July 18, 2023

Matthew 9:36—10:8

What is Magisterium? We can describe Magisterium as the living teaching office of the Church, and this authority is vested in the Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, and all the bishops in communion with him. Magisterium comes from Latin ‘Magister’ and means ‘teacher.’ This is to highlight its primary function: to teach the people of God the authentic interpretation of the Word of God (see CCC 85). 

Why do we need Magisterium to teach us? When we learn about wrong mathematical formulas, it may have terrible consequences in our lives, like loss in business or flaws in architectural designs. When we believe in false teachings in matters of faith and morals, we may surely put our souls in precarious situations and lose our eternal salvation. Thus, Jesus instituted an office to preach and guard the authentic teachings and interpretation of the Word of God. This office is known as Magisterium.

Only teaching? Though Magisterium is essentially a teaching authority, its functions are not limited to teaching true faith and morality but also governing and sanctifying the people of God. We can compare it to the teacher in the classroom. The role of a teacher is not only to teach her students but also to put proper order in the class, to impose sanctions if necessary, and ultimately to make sure her students possess the essential knowledge and skills. We may say that a teacher is also the leader of the class, and thus, Magisterium serves the leadership role of the Church. 

How did Jesus choose the Magisterium or the leaders of the Church? In today’s Gospel, Jesus chose the twelve men to be His disciples and apostles. Why did He choose them? The Gospel gives us the context. When Jesus saw the crowd, He realized they were sheep without shepherds. Jesus understood that the people need shepherds, leaders who guide, protect, and provide. Jesus knew well that human communities always look for leaders-shepherds. Otherwise, they will fall into chaos and anarchy. Thus, Jesus chose the twelve apostles to share in the authority and responsibility of the Good Shepherd to prevent lawlessness and bring the sheep to green pasture.

Why twelve? Jesus did not just randomly pick men according to His favorite number. In the Jewish context, twelve is the number of the tribes of Israel, and by deliberately choosing twelve men as His apostles, Jesus intended to establish the New Israel. However, unlike the old Israel, the leaders are no longer based on the bloodline (the twelve sons of Israel) but by divine appointment and sharing in the divine authority of Jesus. And, because they were sharing in Jesus’ authority, they could preach the Gospel, cure the sick, and fight off the demons.

Are they meant to last? Like the leadership of old Israel did not cease to exist when the twelve Israel died, the Magisterium did not disappear when the twelve apostles died. Why? Because they have successors, Pope and bishops. While it is true that not all bishops are saints and skillful shepherds, they remain parts of the Magisterium established by Christ Himself. Thus, it is our duty as sheep to listen to our shepherds, support and pray for them.  

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Ekaristi dan Manna

Ekaristi dan Manna

Hari Raya Tubuh dan Darah Kristus (Corpus Christi)
11 Juni 2023
Yohanes 6:51-58

Hari ini, Gereja merayakan Hari Raya Tubuh dan Darah Kristus, atau juga disebut Hari Raya Corpus Christi (bahasa Latin yang berarti “Tubuh Kristus”). Melalui hari Minggu ini, Gereja mengundang seluruh umat beriman untuk merenungkan sekaligus merayakan salah satu misteri dan mukjizat agung iman Katolik, yaitu kehadiran Yesus Kristus yang nyata dalam setiap Ekaristi. Seperti yang kita dengar dari Injil Yohanes, Yesus benar-benar memberikan Tubuh dan Darah-Nya sebagai makanan yang nyata, dan mereka yang makan Tubuh-Nya dan minum Darah-Nya akan memiliki hidup yang kekal (Yohanes 6:51). Namun, apakah kita benar-benar memakan Tubuh dan Darah Yesus? Apakah itu berarti kita memakan daging manusia, dan dengan demikian, kita melakukan kanibalisme?

Ya, kita memang makan dan minum Tubuh dan Darah Kristus, tetapi kita tidak melakukan tindakan kanibalisme. Mengapa demikian? Cara termudah untuk menjawab tuduhan ini adalah dengan pergi ke Gereja dan mengamati liturgi Ekaristi itu sendiri. Dalam perayaan misa, tidak ada orang yang memakan daging mentah atau vampir yang menghisap darah segar. Tidak ada yang bersifat kanibal sama sekali dalam Ekaristi. Jadi, di manakah Tubuh dan Darah Kristus? Jawabannya mungkin sedikit rumit. Roti dan anggur yang dipersembahkan dan dikonsekrasikan oleh imam bukan lagi roti dan anggur biasa. Ya, apa yang terlihat tetap sama, tetapi kodratnya berubah menjadi Tubuh dan Darah Kristus yang sesungguhnya. Dalam perspektif ini, kita mengambil bagian dalam Yesus bukan dengan cara kanibal, melainkan dengan cara ekaristi.

Namun, ada hal yang lebih menarik lagi jika kita membaca perkataan Yesus dengan seksama. Ketika Yesus menjelaskan tentang realitas Tubuh dan Darah-Nya sebagai makanan yang sejati, Yesus membuat perbandingan tipologis dengan Manna yang diterima bangsa Israel di padang gurun. Apakah Manna itu? Banyak dari kita beranggapan bahwa Manna hanyalah sejenis roti biasa. Namun, jika kita membaca dengan seksama Kitab Keluaran 16, reaksi orang Israel yang melihat dan mengambil Manna itu sangat terkejut karena mereka tidak pernah melihat makanan semacam itu sebelumnya. Faktanya, kata Manna berasal dari bahasa Ibrani מָן הוּא (baca: man hu; Kel 16:15), yang secara harafiah berarti “apakah ini?” Orang Israel ragu-ragu, tetapi Musa meyakinkan mereka bahwa ini adalah roti yang datang dari surga untuk menopang mereka dalam perjalanan melalui padang gurun.

Dari perbandingan tipologis ini, Yesus ingin kita melihat Tubuh-Nya seperti Manna dalam Perjanjian Lama. Sebagaimana Manna adalah makanan sejati yang berasal dari surga, demikian juga Tubuh Yesus adalah makanan sejati yang berasal dari surga. Sebagaimana Manna adalah makanan yang menopang perjalanan bangsa Israel di padang gurun, demikian juga Tubuh Yesus adalah makanan yang menopang perjalanan kita di bumi. Sebagaimana Manna terlihat seperti roti biasa, namun pada kenyataannya merupakan sesuatu yang melampaui pemahaman bangsa Israel, demikian juga Tubuh Kristus terlihat seperti roti biasa, namun pada kenyataannya merupakan rahmat terbesar yang melampaui pemahaman kita.

Kita bersyukur kepada Tuhan yang telah memberikan Tubuh dan Darah-Nya, seluruh diri-Nya kepada kita sebagai roti kehidupan yang menyehatkan dan melestarikan kita di lembah duka ini. Ekaristi menjadi bukti kasih-Nya, bahwa Dia akan menyertai kita sampai akhir zaman.

Roma
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

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