FEAST OF THE SANTO NIÑO (B) - Being Childlike

FEAST OF THE SANTO NIÑO

Proper Feast in the Philippines

Mt. 18:1-5, 10

January 18, 2015

GOSPEL READING: The Greatest in the Kingdom

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

REFLECTION: Being Childlike

Just like the Sto. Niño, we are all called to become childlike. Far from being childish which is irritating, a childlike person is pleasing. He is like the Lord described by Isaiah in the 1st reading as someone who makes our gladness greater and our joys increase (Isaiah 9:1-2). Now the childlike person is pleasing because of his sense of wonder, dynamism, and relation.

A childlike person has a sense of wonder. Aristotle himself says that this wonder which is the desire to know more applies to all humans (Metaphysics 980a21). Now this openness implies universality and discretion. Unlike the sceptic who is too proud to learn from somebody, the child is eager to learn from his parents and elders. Similarly the childlike person has this sense of universality by being open to the truth not just of one, but of everyone. For the truth that we cannot learn from one can be learned from another. This is the reason why for us Dominicans, we do not have the tradition of appointing only a single spiritual director in formation. The spiritual direction is provided by our community and our deep study life. This structure prevents us from developing a perspective limited by a single confessor or spiritual director.

Yet it is not enough that one be merely open. Discretion is also necessary so as to evaluate whether ideas are true or not. Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP illustrates this using an angle saying that one should be open on one side and closed on the other side. He should be open on one side in so far as he accepts new truths that complement or clarify the already-established or accepted truths. Yet, he should also be closed on the other side in so far as he rejects ideas that totally contradict the established truths. A person who boasts of being so open that he becomes a relativist has the danger of having his brains fall down! That is why in today’s gospel, the child Jesus is not merely open in listening to the teachers of the temple. He also clarifies their ideas by asking questions (Luke 2:46). Similarly while the child is generally obedient to his elders, he would refuse to follow their immoral commands like not telling the truth. In the story of the Emperor’s new clothes, in spite of the command of his elders to ignore the truth and be silent, the child could not help laughing and expressing the simple truth that the emperor has no clothes.

A childlike person is also dynamic. Regardless of our achievements we all have to keep on progressing not just in knowledge, but in all aspects of our life. Even the child Jesus Himself “increased in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).” The problem enters when we fail to grow in one aspect of our life. Thomas Aquinas describes this as becoming a monster. Imagine that your body is growing but not your head! Hence, let us use the prayer of Paul in the 2nd reading that we may keep on improving in knowing and doing God’s will (Ephesians 1:17-18).

And finally, a childlike person is also relational. Being the youngest, the child could be the focus of attention in the family. But this focus is far different from that of the celebrities. The care and love given to him by his parents promote not so much grasping after something as openness to receiving trust and love. The centeredness of the child promotes unity and love.

As we celebrate the feast of Sto. Niño, let us pray that we may become like Him who is pleasing to everyone because of his wonder, dynamism, and love.

ABOUT THE SHARER:

FR. RUDOLF STEVEN SEÑO, OP is a Dominican Priest assigned in the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas.

KEYWORDS:

Feast, Cycle B, OP Friars, Sto. Niño, Child, Wonder, Dynamism, Love

30th Sunday of in OT (A) - The Absence of Judgment

OCTOBER 26, 2014

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. Green

Mt. 22:34-40

The Absence of Judgment

Joseph Conrad Salenga (OP Postulant)

The Lord is commanding us all to love Him primarily with all our heart, mind, and soul. On the other hand, He is asking us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But the former com­mandment could be satisfied by fulfilling the latter. The image of God is reflected in our neighbors most especially in the least among them. As the Lord says, “whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do it to me.” There­fore, if we are to love our neighbors with all our heart, mind, and soul, so are we doing the same thing to the one who created us all.

According to St. Teresa of Calcutta, “Love is the absence of Judgment.” Humans as we are, we are weak and have the tendency to falter most of the time. Since all of us belong to a certain community, there will always be misunder­standings between different individuals. For this reason, the love that the Lord is asking us to have becomes vague and frail because it contradicts the meaning of love which is the “absence of judgment.” Because of our self-centered differ­ences, we tend to criticize, mock, and hate on another causing divisions. In the seminary, we are all different from one another. Each one is coming from a cul­ture unique from everyone else’s.

We have different attitudes and capabilities. Because of our uniqueness, we end up misunderstanding each other and creating divisions. But the essence of the words of Mother Teresa gave us the reason to be reunited. The Lord is telling us all, according to the words of Mo. Teresa, that in order for us to live as one, we must not look at the differences we have but on what is commonly good among all. We do not judge our brothers and sisters according to how they differ from us but we must appreciate their goodness. We will never remove our sense of judgment towards the shadows of others directly but indirectly, by focusing our perspective towards the beauty in the person, not the shadows behind her/ him, only then will we be able to appreciate them. The Lord looks at all of us not by the way we see things but with a perspective full of hope. He does not look on our sinfulness and imperfections but on what is good in us. He always seeks the perfection in us amidst all our imperfections. He identifies our goodness so that he may use that to convert our misdeeds to hope. In order for us to love, we should take God’s perspective --- not judging the imperfections caused by differ­ences but appreciating the goodness that is common within us all.

On this day, the Order commemorates sixteen martyrs who labored to establish the Church in Nagasaki, Japan, and who were martyred at various times during the years 1633, 1634 and 1637. After enduring horrible tortures, they were executed by the method known as the “gallows and pit,” their bodies were burned, and their ashes scattered.

Of this group, nine were from Japan, four from Spain, one from France, one from Italy, and one from the Philippines. Father Dominic lbañez de Erquicia was the first to die on August 14, 1633. Lorenzo Ruiz, the father of a family and the protomartyr of the Philippines, died on September 29, 1637. Thirteen of these martyrs were members of the Dominican Family and three were associated with it. (cf. Dominican Missal and Lectionary)

KEYWORDS: 

Cycle A, Ordinary Time, OP Postulants, Neighbors, Commandments, Love, Martyrs

3rd Sunday of Advent (A) - Checking One’s Expectations

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Mt. 11:2-11

December 15, 2013

GOSPEL READING: The Messengers from John the Baptist

When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:  the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’ Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

REFLECTION: Checking One’s Expectations

Every time I will start my learning sessions, I ask my participants to write down their expectations and later on, I encourage them to share it openly to the group as I take note of this one by one. What I do is to let them know that their expectations are all important to be covered but I also tell them some limitations just in case we cannot meet all their desired experience. I call this managing my participant’s expectations.

Much in life, our expectations are powerful because it creates the reality of what we want to happen. Let me put a contrast between the use of a thermometer and a thermostat. On one hand, a thermometer absorbs and measures the temperature, which is passive in nature while on the other hand, a thermostat has the power to adjust the temperature according to the needs of the user.

In the same manner, this is how our Gospel story unfolded today when the disciples of John asked Jesus about the fulfillment of the promise of the coming savior. All throughout in this Gospel passage, one could feel the hesitation and the unbelief of John’s messengers. In fact, Jesus used the following statements thrice and interchangeably to testify in behalf of John:

“What did you go out to the desert to see?”

“Then what did you go out to see?”

 “Then why did you go out?”

These disciples were expecting a different kind of prophet. They were expecting a different kind of Messiah and they were all judging according to what they see and they have forgotten to see in eyes of their faith. With all of these false expectations Jesus responded to them through this:

Go and tell John what you hear and see:

The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.

Jesus’ way was not just to look and speak like a Messiah but He lives, loves and leads like one. It was shown in His life. His miracles and wonders were just a consequence of His mercy and compassion to the lost, the least and the last. It is actually an invitation and a challenge for us to partake in this mission of bringing glad tidings to the poor and sinners.

‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way before you.’

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Christ and now that John was in prison, it’s Jesus Who is testifying for him. We can also see here that both of them were speaking the TRUTH with LOVE or in latin, veritas cum caritate.

We are all called to be John the Baptist in our own way of preparing the way for others to know who Jesus is even if it entails suffering and persecution. And like this Gospel story, expect that Jesus will testify in our behalf as well. He will speak for us and He will be on our side most especially in times of trouble and when we are in need.

REFFLECTION: How can you prepare the way of the Lord in your life? How can you prepare people around you to receive the Lord in their lives?

a.  At home?

b.  In your workplace?

c.   At school?

d.  In your community?

PRAYER: “Lord Jesus, use me to testify for your love. Use my expectations to create great things for you and your people. Use my time, talent and treasure to bring glory to your name. Amen.”

ABOUT THE SHARER:

JC LIBIRAN is a lay-missionary, speaker, facilitator and author of “Byahe ni Juan: Life Lessons I Learned From Riding a Jeepney”. He is the Director for Campus Missions of the Light of Jesus Family (www.lightfam.com). You may contact him through his e-mail at JCLibiran@ymail.com or visit his website at www.JCLibiran.com

KEYWORDS:

Advent, Cycle A, OP Laity, Truth, Love, Expectation, Attestation, Testimony

1st Sunday of Advent (A) -

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Mt. 24:37-44

December 1, 2013

GOSPEL READING: The Unknown Day and Hour

For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In [those] days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be [also] at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

REFLECTION: 

In Advent, as we prepare for the annual celebration of a past event - Christ’s birth - we are also preparing for a future event - Christ’s return in glory. As the days grow shorter we reflect that earthly time is slipping away, but the day of the Lord advances. As the days darken we light the first Advent candle as a beacon of hope in the one who rose again, triumphant over sin and death, who will return to reveal the kingdom of his eternal love.

It is his unconditional love for each one of us that gives us the confidence to make every day of our lives a day to turn away from sin and back to the Lord, to allow the Holy Spirit to liberate us from that deadly indifference to God’s will for us. And so in this season we reflect on those passages of scripture that renew our hope, our trust in the power of God to change us.

Our faith in God is often challenged by the sheer magnitude of human evil in the world which leaves us feeling quite helpless in the face of human greed and violence. The prophets of the Old Testament were made of sterner stuff and never lost sight of the advance of God’s reign. Isaiah’s words today ring out with a defiant message of hope. The Assyrian war machine was about to descend on Israel and Isaiah knew it. He also knew that the sins of those in power were inviting retribution. But he gives us a vision of a new world, the end of war and a time when all nations will acknowledge the True God and live ‘in the light of the Lord’.

If the advent of God’s reign is certain, there are no grounds for complacency. St Paul reminds us that the night of human history is almost over, ‘the time’ has come for us to make a final decisive break with all that is dark within us. If we truly long for God’s reign our conversion to Christ cannot be half-hearted. We are too easily discouraged from tackling our sins.

The season of Advent provides us with a concrete timetable for change and renewal. Like those stark health warnings on packets of cigarettes, the gospel today gives us a much needed jolt. The Lord will come like a thief in the night, when we least expect it.

From one perspective, that has been the story of humanity all along. The fall of man in the garden of Eden reads like a bad dream. And people have been sleepwalking into sin ever since. But God has all along been shaking us awake. He came in the words of his prophets and he came most dramatically of all, in person, not occupying centre stage, but taking the role of a minor character. That first advent certainly changed everything; it brought God as close to us as our neighbour. From that moment on it has always seemed that we only have to reach out to touch God. From God’s perspective, no doubt, it has always been an eternal advent - the divine Word has never stopped proceeding from the Father and accomplishing his task. So we talk about the second coming in Advent but really it is our own receptivity to God’s coming which is the heart of the matter.

In every generation the Father finds his children ‘asleep’. Some have given up on God, some have never even known him. And even those who do claim to believe in God are very easily distracted by the cares of this world. Advent is another opportunity for change; but we will fail to grasp it if we start thinking that Advent comes round every year. This may be our last Advent. It certainly will be for millions. God is giving us another chance to respond to his amazing love for us before death steals up on us and we slip away, scarcely noticed, into divine judgment.

A contrite heart and a renewed hope is the visitation from on high that we need now. So that, in the words of today’s psalm, we can truly rejoice when we hear it said ‘Let us go to God’s house’.

ABOUT THE SHARER:
FR. JOHN KENRICK O.P. is resident in the Dominican community in Durham. He is a guest sharer c/o torch.op.org.

KEYWORDS:

Advent, Cycle A, OP Friars, Hope, Triumph, Love, Vigilance