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Woe to You

Woe to You

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C]

February 13, 2022

Luke 6:17, 20-26

Today’s Gospel presents us with the Beatitudes according to St. Luke. There is a fundamental similarity with Matthew’s version [see Mat 5:1-11], yet there are also some glaring differences between the two. One of the most apparent distinctions is the presence of ‘woes’ in Luke’s version. What is a ‘woe’ anyway?

In the context of the Bible, ‘woe’ is a cry of impending distress used by the prophet Israel [see Is 5:8–22; Amos 6:1; Hab 2:6–20]. The prophets called for repentance of Israel and return to the Lord God, yet if the Israelites remained stubborn, the woe should become a reality, and they would endure the terrible consequences. In the Gospel, Jesus practically did what His predecessors had done. Yet, there is also something new that Jesus introduced.

The prophets were pronouncing the woes to hardened people of Israel who truly did wicked things before the Lord. They worshipped other gods, abandoned the true God, and even worse, offered their children to these gods. They were also involved in sexual immorality and injustice to the weak and the poor. The Israelites were violating every single commandment in the Decalogue. In this context, God’s severe judgment was right and just. However, if we try to compare the prophets of the Old Testament and Jesus, we notice something remarkably odd.

Jesus’ woes were to those who are rich, filled with food, laughing, and praised. Jesus never said, ‘woe to you, idolaters!’ or ‘woe to you adulterers!’, but He pronounced judgment to those who are laughing. But why? Is it not to laugh is healthy? Is it genuinely evil to have money? Is it wrong to praise someone who deserves it? It seems that Jesus is a bit excessive when giving away His woes.

However, we must see entire things of Jesus’ saying. Jesus did not simply say ‘woe to you, rich people.’ The complete sentence is, ‘woe to you, who are rich, for you have received your consolation.’ Jesus emphasized the truth that the woe is for those who make wealth their consolation. Earthly goods, including wealth, are naturally good, but they always serve as means, not the end. The same with laughter and other bodily pleasures. These are good and natural to us human persons. In fact, laughter makes us uniquely human, as no other animals can do the same. Yet, again, if we prioritize our bodily pleasures and lose God in the process, everything will be for nothing.

It is also the same with praises and affirmation we receive. Parents’ honest appreciation will solidify our self-esteem as little kids, and genuine commendation will make us grow in confidence. Yet, if we are obsessed with getting praises and oblations, this may do more harm than good. The highest honors belong to God.

Like the prophets of old, Jesus sounded harsh teachings, but He is genuinely concerned with our salvation and happiness. Jesus tells us that if we fail to make God our end, blessing, especially earthly ones, can turn curses and woes. Jesus’ tough love constantly pulls us away from the eternal sadness.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

The Called

The Called

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C]

February 6, 2022

Luke 5:1-11

This Sunday, we listen to the vocation stories of three great persons in the Bible: Isaiah, Paul, and Peter. Indeed, they have their own unique stories with a different context. Isaiah had a vision of the heavenly Temple of God. Paul was making his journey towards Damascus. In contrast, Simon was doing his job as a fisherman. However, there is something common with the three of them.

Simon, Paul, and Isaiah admitted that they were sinners before God. The most obvious case is Paul, who used to be the persecutor of the Church. He was involved in many terrible sufferings of many Christians, and in fact, he saw the Lord in his mission to bind the Catholics in a chain in Damascus. Before the Lord, Isaiah claimed that he was a man of unclean lips and living among the people of the unclean lips. We are not entirely sure what ‘unclean lips’ means. It may refer to the sin of blasphemy that is insulting God’s name. Another possibility is the sin of untruthfulness. Isaiah and the Israelites were living in lies and dishonesty.

Meanwhile, Simon acknowledged before Jesus that he was a sinful man. Again, we are not sure what Simon’s sin was. He might be someone who possessed anger issues, which affected his life and others.

The response of Jesus to Simon’s admission of his sinfulness was not belittling his condition. Jesus never said, “It is fine. It is not a big deal!” Jesus recognized Simon’s human weakness and frailty. Perhaps, in His divine intellect, Jesus knew that Simon would eventually deny Him thrice and run away like a coward. Yet, Jesus still called Simon and said, “Do not be afraid; you will be catching men.”

God does not call Simon, Paul, and Isaiah because they are perfect and blameless men. God calls them despite their sinfulness and invites them to be part of His work. God makes Simon the fisher of men, Paul the greatest apostle to the nations, and Isaiah the great prophet of the Old Testament. Amazing things happen when we say ‘yes’ to God’s plan. They failed and faltered, and God will raise them again. If we say ‘no’ to God’s plan and our excuse is that we are sinful, weak, and incapable, that is false humility and, in fact, lack of faith. We do not trust God enough that He can transform us into a better version of ourselves. We doubt that God will equip us for the mission.

Yet, it is equally vital always to remember who we are: both weak and sinful as well as loved and called. We cannot be boastful if we succeed in our ministries because apart from God, we are nothing. Paul said in his letter that he is the most hardworking among all the apostles, but immediately he admitted that it was because of the grace of God [see 1 Cor 11:10]. Paul eventually concluded, “Whoever boasts should boast in the Lord [1 Cor 1:31].”

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Agape

Agape

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C]

January 30, 2022

Luk 4:21-30

1 Cor 12:31 – 13:13

What is the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit for Paul? Is it speaking in tongue? Gift of understanding intricate mysteries of God? Gift of performing mighty deeds or healing? For Paul, it is love.

Paul himself says that if we have the gift of tongues to speak foreign languages or the language of angels, it will be useless without love. If we have the gift of prophecy or possess the knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of faith or the faith to move the mountains, they will be meaningless without love. If we donate everything we have, and to the point of sacrificing ourselves, but the motive is not to love, then it will be useless.

But, what makes this love is special? In Greek, several words can be translated as ‘love,’ namely ‘eros,’ ‘filia,’ and ‘agape.’ Eros is a love that unites man and woman in marriage and is open to new life. Filia is the love of friendship. People who have the same interest or vision in life tend to like and stick together as friends. Then, we have ‘Agape.’ This kind of love is radically different from Eros and Filia. While the other two are love moved by emotional power, agape primarily is the willpower and commitment. No wonder it is also called sacrificial love.

One powerful element that Paul introduces to the agape as a gift of the Holy Spirit is that it is not a static gift. It is not only something received and then given. Paul calls it ‘the most excellent way.’ The word ‘way’ points to journey, process, and growth. Agape is dynamic and growth-oriented. We do not only love, but we also grow in love.

In English, the words used to describe agape are adjectives, but these words are verbs in original Greek. Agape is not something static but action-oriented and dynamic. Agape is not simply patient, but agape is trying to be patient. Agape is not merely kind, but it is performing kindness. There is a transformation from someone who does not care about others to someone who learns to show compassion. Agape is not simply quick-tempered but is making a great effort not to be destructive in expressing anger.

What is fantastic about agape is that it is a gift of God for every Christian, and we possess the ability to learn and grow in love. We might not have the gift of healing, or the gift of prophecy, or the gift of performing miracles, but we can learn to be more patient with one another. We might not have the charism to teach or the authority to govern our communities, but we can decide not to be rude to people we do not like. We might not be the most brilliant guys in the group or someone who contributes a lot to others, but we can always be someone who patiently listens.

Agape is both the most fundamental as well as the most excellent. We are called to grow in love each time because, in the end, all things will cease, and only love remains.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Theophilus

Theophilus

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time [C]

January 23, 2022

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

One unique thing to Luke is that he addressed his Gospel [and his Acts of the Apostles] to the most excellent Theophilus. Who is this Theophilus? We are not entirely sure, and this name has been a subject of debates and discussions for centuries. However, there are several things we may extract from the Gospel’s texts.

The first thing is that he was honorably addressed as ‘the most excellent’ [in Greek, ‘kratiste’]. This is an honorific title for a high Roman government official or a high nobleman during those times. Thus, Theophilus was someone politically powerful and wealthy. But why did Luke have to mention this affluent man? Most probably, it is because Theophilus is the one who supported Luke in the effort of writing his Gospel and Acts. The production of writing in ancient times is an extremely costly undertaking. Unlike papers in our time, parchment [from the animal skins] and papyrus [imported from Egypt] were not cheap raw materials for writing. Quality ink was not easy to get as well. Sometimes, authors had to hire a professional scribe to write correctly on a papyrus. Luke also indicated that he researched reading earlier gospels [most probably Mark and Matthew] and interviewing the eyewitnesses [perhaps Blessed Virgin Mary]. These efforts could cost a fair amount of money as well. No wonder experts say that to produce one single copy of a gospel may cost more than 2,000 USD. Theophilus has been instrumental in the production of Luke’s Gospel.

The second information we have about him is that Theophilus was most probably a Christian or at least a Catechumen. Luke wrote the purpose of his Gospel is ‘so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed [Luk 1:4].’ The word ‘instructed’ in Greek is ‘katekeo,’ the root word of catechism and catechesis. Theophilus has received some sort of catechism or teaching concerning the Catholic faith, but he wanted to know more, especially the certainty of the foundation of his faith.

How did the Gospel of Luke impact Theophilus? We are never sure, but we are confident that the Gospel has influenced millions of people tremendously. One more interesting is that the name Theophilus means the friends of God [theos + philios]. This Gospel is not just addressed to the historical figure called Theophilus, but to all of us, who are friends and lovers of God. Thus, reading carefully and prayerfully this Gospel deepens our love and friendship with the Lord. Luke’s Gospel has been acclaimed as one of the most beautifully composed books. From the stories like the prodigal son and the lost sheep, we discover more about the unparalleled mercy of God to us. From Luke also, we got the heartwarming stories of Mary as the first and most faithful disciple.

We all are called to be a Theophilus. Someone who dares to spend our time, energy, and other resources to know the certainty of our faith. And from this certainty, we are invited into loving friendship with the Lord.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Rahasia Pernikahan yang Bahagia

Rahasia Pernikahan yang Bahagia

Minggu ke-2 Waktu Biasa [C]

16 Januari 2022

Yohanes 2:1-11

Saya benar-benar beruntung dapat mengunjungi kota Kana di Galilea tepat sebelum pandemi covid-19 merajalela. Di sana, saya berkesempatan memimpin pembaruan ikrar janji nikah pasangan-pasangan yang ikut dalam perziarahan. Salah satunya adalah orang tua saya, dan tentu saja, itu adalah saat yang cukup membuat saya canggung. Namun, saya sangat bersyukur ketika saya menyadari kesetiaan mereka, melalui suka dan duka kehidupan pernikahan, tetapi yang terpenting, saya bersyukur atas rahmat Tuhan yang berkerja dalam hidup mereka.

Masyarakat modern kita ditandai oleh banyaknya pasangan suami istri yang menghadapi masalah pelik pernikahan dan juga orang-orang muda yang tidak lagi melihat pernikahan sebagai bagian mendasar dari kehidupan mereka. Perceraian menjadi normal baru, dan perselingkuhan merajalela. Kekerasan dalam rumah tangga mewarnai media berita dan media sosial kita. Ada pasangan-pasangan menolak untuk memiliki anak atau hanya menyerahkan anak kecil mereka ke babysitter. Beberapa orang bahkan menolak sama sekali pernikahan, dan menganggap pernikahan dan keluarga sebagai beban dan ‘penjara’. Beberapa lebih memilih hewan peliharaan daripada membesarkan keluarga manusia yang nyata.

Pernikahan dan membesarkan anak tentunya tidak mudah, tetapi itu sangat penting bagi masa depan kita sebagai umat manusia. Namun, hal ini bukan hanya masalah kelansungan kita sebagai spesies, tetapi juga merupakan rencana Tuhan bagi kita untuk berpartisipasi dalam kepenuhan hidup. Jika kita melihat lebih dekat pada Alkitab, kita akan menemukan tempat sentral dari pernikahan di dalam Kitab Suci. Kisah penciptaan memuncak dengan pria dan wanita menjadi satu dalam perjanjian pernikahan. Mukjizat pertama Yesus terjadi dalam konteks pernikahan dan bagi pasangan yang sedang menikah. Buku terakhir dari Alkitab, Kitab Wahyu, berakhir dengan pesta pernikahan Anak Domba.

Lalu, bagaimana kita mengatasi masalah-masalah besar yang menimpa pernikahan? Tentu banyak hal yang perlu kita lakukan, namun ada satu cara mendasar yang tidak boleh kita lewatkan. Injil memberitahu kita bahwa masalah kekurangan anggur dihindari karena pasangan itu mengundang Yesus, dan ibu-Nya. Maria memperhatikan masalah serius yang ada dan meminta Putranya untuk campur tangan. Yesus melakukan mukjizat-Nya yang pertama, dan bukan hanya masalah anggur terpecahkan, tetapi mereka juga mendapatkan anggur terbaik. Semua ini terjadi bahkan tanpa disadari oleh pasangan yang berpesta tersebut tersebut.

Ini adalah pelajaran berharga dari Pernikahan Kana. Sudahkah kita mengundang Yesus dan sang Bunda-Nya ke dalam pernikahan dan keluarga kita? Apakah kita mengandalkan Tuhan dalam upaya kita membesarkan anak-anak kita? Sudahkah kita mendekatkan satu sama lain kepada Tuhan? Jika kita membawa Tuhan dalam pernikahan dan keluarga kita, saya percaya bahwa Tuhan telah melakukan hal-hal yang luar biasa bahkan tanpa kita sadari.

Kembali ke Injil ini, kepala pelayan memuji pengantin pria karena anggur terbaik yang bertahan sampai akhir. Ketika pernikahan dan keluarga kita berhasil melewati badai kehidupan, kita diundang untuk menyadari bahwa anggur terbaik adalah dari Tuhan. Pernikahan yang bahagia terdiri dari pasangan yang bersyukur.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

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