2nd Sunday of Lent [A]
March 5, 2023
Matthew 17:1-9

Lenten Season is characterized with acts of penance as well as intensified spiritual exercises like fasting and almsgiving. One of the purposes of these activities is to strengthen our spiritual muscles against the weaknesses of the soul or ‘concupiscence’, that is a tendency to fall into sins due to our wounded nature. Yet, why do still have this weakness if we have been redeemed? St. Paul in his letter to Timothy emphatically says, “… the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Tim 1:10).”

I must admit that we are dealing with mystery of faith. Like other mysteries, the reality of redemption as well as the presence of concupiscence are a reality, but the reasons behind these realities remain largely hidden because these truths are greater than our minds’ capacity. However, it does not mean that we are clueless. Through her theologians and saints, the Church has reflected on the matter for two thousand years, and taught that the consequences for nature, weakened and inclined to evil, persist in man and summon him to spiritual battle (CCC 405).

The presence of concupiscence opens up an opportunity for us to exercise the virtues and to grow in holiness through the practice of spiritual exercises. Thus, even though concupiscence remains after baptism, it is not an insurmountable obstacle to living a holy life, and in fact make our journey a lot more meaningful. With the help of God’s grace, we can resist their disordered desires and grow in holiness.

In today’s gospel, we hear that Jesus was transfigured in the mountain. For Peter, John and James, this was an ecstatic experience overflowing with joy. They did not want to lose this elating experience, and thus, Peter proposed to build tents so that they could stay longer up on the mountain. But, Jesus did not stay long in His divine state, but summoned his disciples to go down and follow Him. Where? After transfiguration, Jesus set His eyes to Jerusalem where His suffering and death awaited. Jesus understood well, ‘there is no resurrection without the cross.’ Concupiscence is one of our crosses here on earth, and it becomes a means to holiness.

One good friend of mine once asked me, “Why did God allow concupiscence to remain in our soul? It could have been better and easier for us if concupiscence had been removed during baptism.” The point was clearly taken. I can imagine that without concupiscence, I would not have to deal with many temptations. Life would be much easier, and the world would be a better place because people would no longer commit evil things out of selfish interests. However, our first parents still sinned even without concupiscence. The absence of concupiscence does not automatically prevent us from falling into sin. In fact, the moment we sin out of our total freedom and without the influence of concupiscence, we will fall extremely hard, just like Adam and Eve. Perhaps to prevent us from experiencing what our first parents had suffered, God allows concupiscence to remain.

Eventually, we still face the mystery, but we believe that even the presence of concupiscence is ultimately for our good.

Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

1st Sunday of Lent [A]
February 26, 2023
Matthew 4:1-11

We are now on the first Sunday of Lent. For some of us, the Lenten season is just another routine. We abstain from meat or other things that bring us comfort and fast at least twice a year (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday). We are also asked to spend more time in prayer and encouraged to give more alms. The liturgical color and atmosphere also change in our churches. And in many parishes, confessions are made available. Some of us may not really understand why we must do these things, but since we are Catholics and others are practicing it, we do it too. Some of us may be aware of the reason behind these spiritual exercises because we listen to the catechesis given by the priests or lay catechesis, or explanations given on social media. As a priest, I take every opportunity to educate the faithful on this beautiful season (check also my catechesis and reflections in previous years). Yet, we still wonder why we have to keep doing this every year.

The answer rests on our wounded nature. Speaking about our nature, we cannot but go back to our first parents Adam and Eve. In our first reading, we discover how Adam and Eve were created from the dust of the earth and received the breath of life. Not only that, God placed them in the garden close to Himself. This becomes a symbol that they lived in harmony with God, nature, and themselves. This is the state of original grace. Yet, despite all the privileges, Adam and Eve, the dirt of the earth, dared to defy the Lord of the universe. Truly, their sin merited death. God was merciful, prevented total death, and gave a second chance for man and woman. Unfortunately, sin has wounded their souls and destroyed their original friendship with God. The wounded nature is now weak to temptations and prone to commit more sins.

Regrettably, Adam is not just an isolated individual. He is also the head of humanity. Thus, St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans (our second reading), expressed the truth that the effects of Adam’s sin flow to all humanity. “Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned (Rom 5:12).” When we are conceived, we receive a wounded human nature. We are in a state far from God. Our tradition calls this original sin.

However, we are not doomed to hopelessness. St. Paul, also in the same letter, preached the good news that Jesus has saved us and brought us back into the friendship of God, the state of grace. “For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many (Rom 5:15).”

Then, the question remains: ‘If we are already redeemed, why must we do intensive spiritual exercises in the Lenten season?’ Yes, we have been redeemed, but our souls retain some weaknesses due to the effects of original sin. We still have this tendency to commit sin and disorder. Thus, to strengthen our spiritual muscles against the flesh, the world, and the devil, Jesus gives us these three tips: fast, intensive prayer, and almsgiving. (For why these three actions, see my last year’s reflection.)

Yet, one question remains: ‘Why did God allow concupiscence to remain in our souls despite the work of redemption?’ Wait for the answer next Sunday!

Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]
February 19, 2023
Matthew 5:38-48

This Sunday, we encounter one of the most controversial of Jesus’ moral teachings. Because of these teachings, we, Christians, are often accused as being weak, stupid, and submissive in face of evil. Yet at the same time, when we try to fight for justice, our opponents readily utilize these verses against us. They accuse us as not being compassionate, loving and forgiving. So, how do we understand this? Does it mean that a wife simply must endure her abuse husband? Does it mean we do close our eyes to evil and injustice around us?
Jesus opens His teaching with quoting the Law of Moses, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (see Exo 21:24).” For modern ears, this law sounds cruel and even barbaric, but the real purpose of this law is to prevent excessive retaliation. When someone stole a lamb, he shall return a lamb or its equivalent. His enemies cannot demand his entire house in place of a lamb. The law is to promote sense of justice, to curb unnecessary violence, and escalation.
Then, Jesus transforms this law of Moses by pronouncing a new teaching, “do not resist evil!” For Jesus, we must go beyond seeking an equal retribution. But, does it mean we have to helplessly become a punching bag?
If we look deeper into the Old Testament, we will discover similar teachings like Proverbs 24:29, “Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me.” (check also Isa 50:6). Thus, Jesus’ teaching to resist no evil is not unique to Jesus. So, does Jesus truly transform the Law of Moses then?
Jesus’ ground-breaking teaching is not on passively receiving evil, but rather actively conquering evil with goodness. We can understand this if we look carefully Jesus’ examples. “If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well (Mat 5:40).” Tunic (Greek: χιτών, chiton) is usually a simple cloth and worn to cover the body, while clock (Greek: ἱμάτιον, himation) is more expensive garment, and put over the tunic. Thus, Jesus is saying that if someone demands your simple cloth, do not only give the ordinary one, but also the more precious garment. The action will surely puzzle many people, but it also shows our sincerity and effort to end enmity, as well as open the possibility of reconciliation and even friendship.
The real challenge is how to apply Jesus’ teaching in our daily lives. I must admit there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The application depends on your context and our prudence. One good example will be St. John Paul II and Ali Agca. On May 13, 1981, he attempted to assassinate the Pope. He shot several times and wounded the holy man. Miraculously, the Pope escaped death, and survived the evil attempt. Ali was arrested and sentenced to prison. What did Pope John Paul II do to Ali? He forgave Ali and even visited him in prison. The act was daring enough, because Ali might attack the Pope, and kill him for sure. Yet, the meeting was cordial, as both shook hands. Yes, Ali was forgiven, but, does it mean Ali can immediately walk out of prison? Not at all, Ali served his imprisonment for twenty years, because it is justice, but at the same time, the reconciliation takes place.
Being followers of Jesus is truly tough because we do not only look for justice, but also we need to bring our enemies closer to Jesus. Yet, with God’s grace, this is made possible.

Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 12, 2023
Matthew 5:17-37

Having heard Jesus’ teachings on the keys to happiness (the Beatitudes) and our identities as the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World, we are now delving into the heart of Jesus’ moral teachings. Here, Jesus makes it clear that He has come not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil them. Jesus’ teachings are not at odds with the Old Testament, but instead perfect and transform it. Yet, why does Jesus have to transform it?

The first reason is that many laws in the Old Testament were given by God to consecrate and separate the Israelites as a holy nation for the Lord alone. The ancient Israelites were living among the gentiles who worshiped many gods, and lived immoral conducts. The God of Israel is the only true God, and He wanted the Israelites to worship Him alone and live according to His true goodness. Thus, God gave the Ten Commandments, forbidding the worship of other gods (idols) and prohibiting behaviours such as murder, adultery, theft, and other evil practices that were common among the gentiles.

However, God’s laws do not only about morality, but also various details in liturgical life (for example, the Book of Leviticus) and also civil conducts (for example, the Book of Deuteronomy). God’s laws and regulations in the Old Testament are numerous and details. Why are so many rules?

One of the fundamental reasons is the hardness of the hearts. The formation of Israelites as the people of God was proven to be tough process. As they lapsed into previous idolatrous and sinful lifestyles, God placed new and stricter laws. At the same time, God allowed certain concessions like permitting divorce (Deu 24:1-4).

Jesus understands the true purpose behind his Father’s giving of the Law and why the Israelites were given so many laws – because of the hardness of their hearts. Jesus is well aware that without proper heart formation, an increase in rules will be ineffective. Thus, Jesus says, “For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander (Mat 15:19).” Laws and regulations are generally good because they guide us in doing something properly. They also protect us from harms, as well as give clarity in midst of confusion. Yet, no matter how good the laws are, as long as the hearts are hard, the men will always find a way to bend the laws.

So how can we have a renewed and humble hearts? The first and the most important factor is the grace of God. Only God’s grace can make our stony hearts into a living and new hearts (see Eze 36:26). This is why sacramental life is truly fundamental, especially through the participation of the holy Eucharist every Sunday (even better, every day) and regular confessions.

Secondly, hearts are formed by virtues, and virtue is no other than a good habit. Forming good habits can be difficult, but we can always begin with simple, consistent steps. Instead of saying bad words when we are angry, we can pause and choose another better alternative, like saying prayers. We can also explore with other habits.

Lastly, our hearts should be guided by our right reasons. It is wise to seek to understand the reasons behind the laws we follow. Knowing that laws (especially the Laws of God) are there for our goodness make us docile to follow them. God is the perfect Father and He made His Laws for the true maturity of His children.

“O Lord, create a pure and humble hearts in me!”

Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time [A]
February 5, 2023
Matthew 5:13-16

After Jesus opened His sermons in the Mount with the Beatitudes, He proceeded with explaining the identity of His disciples. “You are the light of the world.” Why did Jesus call His disciples as the light of the world? Light is one of the important subjects in the Bible. Going back to the story of creation, one of the first things God created was light. “There will be light! And there was light (Gen..).” Yet again, why light is such essential topic in the Bible?

It has something to do with human nature itself. Humans are basically the creatures of light. Our lives are dependent of light around us. The most important is the light of the sun, but also lights come from other sources both natural or artificial. We need light to navigate our world. working, moving, reading, using our gadgets are some activities that are dependent of light. Our eyes, are one of the most sophisticated organs in our body, are essentially good receptors of light. Not only light is basic for our navigation and activities, but it is also fundamental for our biological growth and functioning. Proper sun’s light helps in generating some essential chemicals in our body, like vitamin D and hormone dopamine. Some studies show that lack of sun light may cause depression, decrease of cognitive functions and disruption of wake-sleep cycle (circadian rhythm).

God who created us as well as the light, perfectly knew the relation between human beings and light. Thus, Jesus called us light of the world. Like light to our bodies, it is our mission to help others around us to navigate their lives into true happiness (please check my reflection last week on happiness) and grow into genuine maturity and holiness.

But, how do we become a light of the world? Jesus gave the answer, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Mat 5:16).” We are expected to do good works for others, and good works can take many different shapes. In Catholic traditions, we have seven corporeal and spiritual works of mercy. These are feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, instructing others in faith, reminding others to repent from their sins, and praying for the living and dead. We can also start our good works from home and family, like feeding our children with health food, and instructing our children in faith and morality.

However, we must be careful also because being a light, the temptation is to shine and attracted others to ourselves, rather than guide them to Christ. We must be reminded that our light is so that others may ‘give glory to our Father who is in heaven’. The second danger is that we are running out of gas. We felt tired after doing a lot of good works. The solution can be as simple as taking proper rest and sleep, or maybe we need to rearrange our priorities in life. Yet, spirituality, we must remember that the true light is Christ Himself. He said, “I am the light of the world (John 8:12).” We are lights of the world because we are in Christ and participating in and reflecting His light (see Gal 2:20). We shall never forget to unite ourselves in true light through our prayers and the sacraments especially the Eucharist.

Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP