It is always a JOY to be of service

First of all, I want to make a confession. On his election to the papacy, I said I'm still for Pope Benedict. But maybe, somehow, the Holy Spirit is indeed at work. Now I'm beginning to see the light and wisdom on his pontificate.

Now I understand what Pope Francis wants every time he calls for Christians to be missionaries. The Church as the Body of Christ should not be confined in the pillars of the worship building but should extend its participation in homes, on the streets, in the market, and in the whole structure of society. We believers should go out of our comfort zones to reach out in order to effectively proclaim the Gospel message. We are reminded of the great Pentecost account when the apostles went out of their room in hiding and courageously spoke of the resurrection. Pope Francis wants a Church which literally journeys and is authentically on a pilgrimage towards the Holy City of God. He wants Church that permeates within the daily life experiences of man.

The key element for a fruitful mission is joy. His Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" deals extensively in this Christian joy which must envelope both the mission and the missionary. But it is more than mere joy. It is a MISSIONARY JOY (21). This exhortation is the response from the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization convoked on October 2013. His opening words clearly gives the whole structure and point of his exhortation:

"THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus." (1)

It brings us back to the call of the disciples towards the resurrection encounter; the encounter with Jesus, true God and true man, who reveals His victory. This is the heart of the Gospel message to which the apostle Paul also exemplifies: "if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain" (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-20). This is the joy that sprang from within and out of the hearts of the women who saw the empty tomb and immediately went to announce what they have seen.

During these times we think of missionary work as reserved for the religious. We easily equate it with going to remote places, to indigenous people, to the natives, and those who do not know Christ. But that is only one aspect of the larger scheme of missionary work to which every Christian, by virtue of their baptism, should take part. It is more than defending the existence of God or explaining the faith, but on how we are able to show what we believe in. Put words into action. It is wonderful to recalls how many of the Gentiles and the Romans admired the early believers- they were living in love. It was not through reading or preaching (in many instances) but more on the witnessing of these Christians that many were converted and added to their group.

The world is in need of active witnesses- those who are ready to stand up and live their identity as Christians, followers of Christ. The world is in need of pastors who are willing to be among their flock. In the words of Pope Francis, those who would "smell like sheep" and be one with their community. The world is in need not of superficial leaders as if separated from them but one who is able to relate and experience their own living. The world is in need of more men and women committed to works of charity. These people who have the desire to do apostolic works out of their love from their brothers and sisters and not for selfish motives. The world is in need of young people ready to be signs of contradictions in an industry mired by individuality, consumerism, and indifference.

"Many places are experiencing a dearth of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. This is often due to the lack of contagious apostolic fervour in communities which results in a cooling of enthusiasm and attractiveness. Wherever there is life, fervous and a desire to bring Christ to others, genuine vocations will arise." (107)

It is also noteworthy that Pope Francis has special affection to the poor and need. This should also be out attitude. The Church is of and for the poor. We should not forget this for in their eyes are the mirrors of reality. They reflect the poverty of the manger, of the Lord's life, and the suffering He endured. The Church's poverty is a sign of her need and dependence on the Lord's sustenance. They should not be left out in this journey. They are a significant part, whether objects of evangelization or agents of this proclamation.

 "Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basic of our concern for the integral development of society's most neglected members. Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society... The old question always returns: 'How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods, and sees a brother and sister in need and yet refuses to help?' (1 Jn 3:17)." (186,187)

Service for the Lord is not a duty. It is more than an obligation. It entails a commitment. There is freedom. The joy of proclaiming the Gospel should not be a burden but rather a pure spirit of zeal and courageousness. It is borne out of love. The more joy we carry, the lighter our journey would be. It will always be a joy in the service of God and others.

It is only fitting that this exhortation was released on the occasion of the closing of the Year of Faith previously declared by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. It was a grace-filled year and moment to reflect and recall our faith. Now, it is time to go out and live it.

Viva Pit Senor!

A porcelain image of the Holy Child from Prague

On this feast of the Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Nino), we Filipinos are reminded of how an image of a small child once conquered the hearts of our natives to convert to Christianity. The image of the Child Jesus so famous in every Filipino home is a reminder of the roots of our faith, one that stands the test of time and continues to prevail even in the midst of any calamity that try to destroy the church. God's way of captivating our hearts is no match to any sword. His is not by force but of love and compassion.

This feast proper to Filipinos specifically recalls to mind the devotion of two carmelite saints, Sts. Terese of Avila and Therese of Lisieux. St. Teresa of Avila was known of carrying a small statue of the Child Jesus around her when she was founding monasteries. One day she saw a child by the stairs. The child asked who she was and in reply said "I am Teresa of Jesus." Returning the question as to who the child was, she received a reply, "I am Jesus of Teresa." Similarly, St. Therese took to her special devotion that of the Infant Jesus. She is very much known of her spiritual way of childhood.

How much have we been inspired as children of God to imitate His meekness? Let us not be afraid to approach the Father who knows perfectly well what we need. May the Holy Child Jesus bless us and our country.

I remember a reflection made by a good friend, Bro.Marwil Llasos, O.P., in which he once commented on my Facebook page; it is worth quoting here:

Filipino Catholics are among the most ardent devotees of the Christ Child. Historically, the Christianization of the Philippines started with the giving of the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu to Reyna Juana by the Spanish Agustinian friars. Thus, the Sto. Niño has been the enduring symbol of our Catholicism in these Islands. Many places all over the country celebrate the feast of the Christ Child will unparalleled revelry. These festivities showcase Filipino culture – a masterful blend of indigenous and Hispanic culture. Always colorful, creative and yes, extravagant. 

I have often reflected on why Filipino Catholics are so attached to the Sto. Niño. I think our devotion reflects our natural affection for the child – makabata. Here we see that the RH Bill has no place in authentic Filipino culture, psyche and spirituality. We love children. 

Also, our devotion to the Sto. Niño shows our inner selves. If you want to peer deeper into the Filipino soul, you will always find a child. This childlikeness is truly the hallmark of the Filipino spirit. A child is one who is trusting – perhaps this explains our “bahala na” mentality. This trait is not fatalism, but a sense of childlike confidence to God our Father. “Bahala na” literally means “let God.” In the face of almost insuperable difficulties, we still have attitude to “offer it up” to God. 

A child is one who is contented with simple joys. Filipinos are among the happiest people. This is a paradox – for how can a suffering people manage to smile and to laugh. Only the child in us explains this. 

I used to find the various images of the Sto. Niño distasteful – Sto. Niñong Palaboy, Pulis, Basketbolista, Abogado, Magsasaka, Bumbero, name it! There are just so many depictions of the Infant Jesus. He is black as in Cebu, He is white as in Tondo. How can we make sense out this surfeit of Sto. Niños? 

Upon deeper reflection, I realize that our folk piety in naming the Sto. Niño different names and dressing Him up in multifarious costumes and attire reflect a profound yet very basic theology. The theology of the Incarnation. 

The depictions of the Sto. Niño is our way of expressing the Incarnation – that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14). Our God is Emmanuel – God with us. If that is so, Jesus Christ belongs to every race. He is black, white, yellow, red and brown. Depicting Him with the same color of our skin is our way of claiming Him as our own. He is one of us. 

No culture, no race and no profession or vocation can exclusively appropriate Christ. That’s why we see the Sto. Niño as the Bumbero, Abogado, Pulis, Basketbolista – yes, even Palaboy. He belongs to us all – and we do have a claim on Him, on His love, on His attention, and most especially the salvation that He alone can give. The Sto. Niño shows the universality of our redemption. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). We are all on the same level, all of us are saved in the same way – by the blood of Christ; and we all are entitled to the same privileges as sons and daughters of the Father. 

But of course the image, statue or icon of the Christ Child is there to help us raise our minds to higher realities. That the same Sto. Niño is also the Nazareno (Mt. 2:23), the Savior who suffered, died and was risen for us. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). As we now contemplate the Christ Child, let us be like Him who “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk. 2:51).

Viva Pit Senor Sto. Nino! Viva! Viva! Viva Sto. Nino!

In omnibus amare et servire Domino!

Finally, Rome Sweet Home!

I'm done reading ROME SWEET HOME: Our Journey to Catholicism by Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn. Finally I had that drive to read the book.

It was in high school way back 2002 when I was first introduced to Dr. Hahn's theological works. I was given a book entitled Hail, Holy Queen which was one of his best works on the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was left untouched on my desk for some years until I read it. I thought it was very good and since then got fond of reading more of his works. The last one I read was Consuming the Word in 2013, the 15th book authored by him which I have.

My godfather, together with many friends in the Catholic apologetics, recommended I read Rome Sweet Home. The only copy I found was a newsprint from a local bookstore. I was not enticed to read it. I scanned a few pages, took a glimpse at the pictures, then placed it back on shelf. I felt it was boring. After reading many of his works defending the Catholic teaching, it seemed that his conversion story were mere reiterations of the more detailed experiences Dr. Scott Hahn recounts on his other books.

Why just now? My grandmother gave me a copy as a New Year's present. Upon receiving it, I said to myself, "Wow, thanks but I have a copy already." But this one is a new print and it looks cool. I started reading it and in three days, voila! I'm done. Congratulations to me.

Well I hope I'm back to my regular reading habit of finishing at least a book a week. What struck me most in their conversion story is not the process but the realization that many Catholics take for granted the faith they have, the faith we have. How many of us Catholics really know the core of our beliefs? It is not only a matter of believing and dogmatizing the Church and God as if they are mere theological characters but real, real, existing beings that should be known by heart. It is not just knowing Jesus but really getting to His very person and encountering Him. It is not only lining for communion or receiving the sacraments as if ordinary rituals but seeing the meanings behind these symbols and acts of faith. Maybe that is my it is called, the "core", it is the heart (from the Latin cor).

Many of us know the bible, what it is, but not what it contains. We know the books of the bible but we do not know what they really want to tell us. We just often read them as a literary work or as an ordinary book of texts but not opening it in order to open our hearts and minds to a divine reality. Does it really need to be a foreigner to explain things to natives? This question struck me in the reading of their conversion story. Sometimes, if not too often, it needs someone from the outside to show us what our culture is (sociologically speaking). The Catholic faith is so rich in doctrine, in tradition, in scripture, in God's ways, but we do not usually see these because we've grown too lax or too comfortable with what we have. "Oh we're Catholic and we know that the Church holds the truth." but when faced with the question, "Then what truths does you Church teach?" We don't have an answer.

A good way to jumpstart the year 2014. Pope Francis calls for a Church that is active. The Year of Faith that challenged every Catholic to restudy and relearn the core of faith has been fruitful. Now the pontiff is challenging us to go further more, evangelize today. After this, next reading in line is his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.

5 star for Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn's ROME SWEET HOME.