Thursday, April 29, 2010

Theology, Religion, Local Practice (Part 2)

    To reiterate, I am a catholic and will remain to be a catholic. No amount of persuasion or discouragement will change that. But neither would I be likely to force others to be one nor judging anyone unworthy of God's kindness and compassion. 
    The Church offers itself to the world. What was given to it by grace, it also gives back this gift gratis. The Church does not proselytize as some religions do. It rather presents itself as a living witness to the risen Christ.  This is the "religion" of the Catholic Church. Some may say that religion will not save you. On the contrary, religion means "to bind again", religiare, and is even taught to its faithful in all catechism classes. That is to bind with God. But to begin to have a relationship to Him, you need to believe in Him. What the modern man may have lost (belief), the Church has kept ever since its foundation which is faith. It is precisely in the Church where faith is found. One only has to sincerely ask of it. And what does Faith do? It gives eternal life. It enables man to rise from all misunderstandings, from suffering, from spiritual death towards everlasting life. All religions for that matter necessarily entails a relationship with the divine. The very reason people look to God. The need to be taken out of misery, a difficult situation. Man seeing himself in a mess with no one to turn to, finally kneels down in supplication and surrenders himself completely to God. In this instance, man seeks to be saved from realized depravation. 
    However, if religion is taken to mean as some kind of a formal structure like a club or a fraternity or just a fad, then the difference of opinion against it will hold true. It will surely not save anybody.
    In Faith, the Church receives  into its fold those who seek eternal life baptizing them in the "name of the Father, of the Son , and of the Holy Spirit". Herewith are excerpts from the Holy Scriptures invoked in the sacrament of Baptism:
    "Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament.
At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of holiness.
The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism, that made an end of delusion and a new beginning of goodness.
Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery, to be an image of God's holy people, set free from delusion by baptism,
In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit.
After his resurrection he hold his disciples: "Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."



   "Thus says the Lord God: I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you. I will refresh your heart and enhance the spirit within you, enlivening your natural hearts. I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statues, careful to observe my decrees. You shall live in the land I have given your fathers; you shall be my people, and I will be your God." 

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Theology, Religion,, Local Practice (Part 1)

    It makes me shudder at the thought of writing on the subject of theology. On religion,  I am admittedly bias, as I am and will always be a Catholic. As to local practices, I can very well rely on experiences with different parishes and localities I've been to. But generally, I would observe, research, and listen to different opinions or beliefs with an open mind as much as possible. Mainly my resources in the forming of my own "credo" and thoughts were from the education I had under the Benedictine Fathers, the school library, from the catecheses given in the neo-catechumenate. The last one just mentioned was considerably more extensive as it involved frequent reading of the Scriptures coupled with references on a book by Xavier Leon Dufour-  Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Dufour's Dictionary is just to sort of  put one's mind in the right perspective when it comes to certain terms encountered in the Bible. This does not, as a matter of course, exclude some inspiring works of non-Catholics. There are also the Jewish Midrash and Ditriech Bonhoeffer's works as reference. Years have been spent on "searching" the Scriptures in prayer and sometimes in solitude. It is also done together in community as much as individually. Involvement in the neo-catechumenal activities  is almost endless.  
    Speaking of theology, what makes me hesitate when it comes to,say, expounding on  it?  Frankly speaking, I do believe there are more competent people than I am when it comes to that. Both Catholics and non-Catholics alike have their own theologians. From my church, there are the Bishops and priests not to mention some of the religious brothers and nuns and laymen who have successfully pursued a doctorate's degree in Theology. Nevertheless one may indeed reach a certain amount of competency with regards to the subject even with a minimum amount of formal education. So if I may consider myself as such( i.e., a bit competent), I will attempt to say a little about theology or what it means to me. And all of it would seem to be like going through Theology 101 again.
    Theology commonly means the study of the divine, of God. This we all know. But would it not be better to focus on some questions to better understand it in layman's term. "Who is God for me?" This was initially asked of all members of our community. I found this simpler than the cold calculating almost theoretical approach done in school sometimes bordering on the metaphysical.
    The God that I know of, is He who is somewhere up in the sky that hears my plea whenever I am in a difficult situation and provides relief? Is He someone who just sits in a throne looking down on His mortal creation and lets them go on with their own business having been given free will. Is He someone I can hurt when I commit some misdeeds, that I can sort of hit Him as if using a bow and an arrow or with a six shooter can put Him down? The point then is that, being God, He is someone that comes in my own history. God acts on His own volition in a concrete manner in many events of my life.  If I may cite just this once these verses from Psalm 8:
3 I look up at your heavens, shaped by your fingers, at the moon and the stars you set firm-
4 what are human beings that you spare a thought for them, or the child of Adam that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him little less than a god, you have crowned him with glory and beauty,
6 made him lord of the works of your hands, put all things under his feet,
7 sheep and cattle, all of them, and even the wild beasts,
8 birds in the sky, fish in the sea, when he makes his way across the ocean.
I have only to realize this- God's intervention as proof that He does exist.  But it is essential for me or for many others as well to look into the Scriptures to comprehend or at least to be aware of what's going on in my life, to see my life in parallel to the history of salvation. In particular, it is as necessary to read the the Old Testament, ponder and reflect  on it. Hence it may be said that the knowledge I have of God is experiential and not something "boxed in" my mind only. He is not stereotyped, not able to change, unable to exist outside that small locked room in our head. He is a God who is a living God. He is a God who humbled Himself first by being born of a woman. He walked among peoples, suffered a crime He did not commit and was nailed on a "tree", and died. But being a Son of God, He was resurrected. If I can find myself realizing this saving grace in all events of my life, suffice it to say then that to be what for me theology is.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Ouch!

    Caught a bad cold about 5 days ago. And yesterday, I was already on my way to full recovery except for a few intermittent coughs. It is usually the case whenever I get this common virus. Running nose, coughs, stuffy nose, coughs. Before I'd be taking some of those over-the-counter medicines but as of late, I would prefer taking care of my cold the old fashion way. Lots of rest and some hot, peppery hot soup and plenty more water to drink. "Starve a fever, feed a cold" so the saying goes. It really works.
    Today I woke up feeling something painful down my right foot. Looks like my uric acid level is a bit high. Big toe's joint is swollen. And boy does it hurt! After the nose the toe's next. There is no home made cure for that, does it?

Sunday, April 11, 2010

From A Layman's View

http://www.cardinalseansblog.org/2010/03/26/a-week-of-significant-events/ 
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20100319_church-ireland_en.html 
    Taking a cue from what was just shared in an email group and from Cardinal Sean's blog.
Recently, Pope Benedict XVI wrote a letter to the Church in Ireland. Of course letters coming from the Pontiff are usually for public consumption- meaning for all its faithful. It is oftentimes directly addressed to bishops though as with this particular letter. Then came the news from Germany of investigations made on the same issue as that of Ireland. American public followed suit. Philippine media is hot on it, not long after the much heated debate on Reproductive Health Bill.
    Going back to Pontiff's letter, in general it is about a move of the Vatican to reconcile with and make reparations for the victims of sexual abuse committed by some of the clergy. To the extent of prosecuting those suspected under the state's criminal justice system. In other words, suspect gets to be tried, indicted and finally sentenced to imprisonment No whitewash whatsoever.
     What I understand is the Church itself has its own kind of system dealing with wrongdoings- from simple personal sins(e.g. Penance) to all kinds of misdeeds(e.g. Excommunication). With that of its clergy, there are sets of rule followed strictly. Anyone breaking it are dealt with accordingly. Same with military rule or codes of conduct, a priest found guilty are defrocked or "dishonorably discharged" so to speak. But the Church preaches charity as well, punishments are applied with a sense of compassion. Unlike that of a civilian and military court where, in extreme cases, the punishment maybe the gas chamber or a firing squad. That said, what was or is still being impressed is that Church authorities are either being lenient or may be condoning its members'  wrongdoings. In fact, Pope John Paul II have been  onto this matter during his pontificate. Then Cardinal Ratzinger , the present pope, being one of his many counsels.  Now to criticize Pope Benedict, put the blame on him, and intend to demean his very person on all fronts is very unfair. In passing, Dan Brown's novel somehow laid the groundwork for the demolition job against the papacy.

    Presently, anyone having an axe to grind(may it be just a grudge or legitimate complaint) with the Church or its members will find the current controversy just the right vehicle on which to ride on. And that means anyone including church members themselves. Bishops are not spared from some petty gossips and rumor mongering; yet they are not so quick as to immediately file appropriate charges in the courts. The whole Church finding herself seemingly surrounded by cannons everywhere.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.
There goes the Light Brigade.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Poltical (En)trails


     One columnist may say more than what it is- ordeur maneure. Given the complexities of politics in this part of the world, I find myself a little sadden at what should have been a new era in Philippine society. Young idealists both in Congress and in the Senate stood up. Their almost unrelenting quest for truth and justice reverberated everywhere. In my thoughts, the old guards must be grinding their teeth at these wannabes. With contemptuous looks at some their own peers in the legislature, the more experienced ones would lash out, all unequaled in fury and yet well calculated in manner, to disprove or berate their opponents. It would sometimes dwell on a more personal level that made the unlucky recipient look like an imbecile. In other countries, this would have resulted in a free-for-all. Chairs would be seen flying, thick bundles of documents scattered all over, kicks and punches thrown, suits disheveled and collars pulled, people yanked out of their seats... A total bedlam.
     There was a couple of scenes caught live on local television a few years back. One which I hardly can remember now or how it exactly went about. One was when a veteran lawmaker, heavily built and almost towering, threw a punch at one colleague after a heated argument. Another incident happened during a general assembly, a matinee idol-turned-congressman gave the Sargeant-at-Arms, a retired army general at that, a whopping slap on the face. It hit him so hard that one could see him stagger, his feet wobble and appear to be momentarily disoriented. Poor general, he actually did not see it coming. He must have thought the other guy was approaching just to give him a pat on the back. Instead he was given a "citation", a once-in-a-lifetime five-finger open palmed mark on the cheek. Things like these can make one of little resolve fight back and get even.
     At this point I recalled quite clearly seeing, again on television, something a bit more drastic. A ranking government U.S. official held a press conference. And while he was going through his impromptu speech, he slowly brought out a small paper bag  containing a revolver. As swiftly, he held its barrel in his mouth and pulled the trigger. All in full view of horrified reporters and guests.  Not to mention the millions of people watching it on television. May God forgive him and his soul find peace. He might have gotten into such a mess in government service as to take his own life. Anyhow that would not happen here. Instead scenarios and schemes are planned out and the concerned official getting the upper hand in revenge. All with the aid of professional spinners or what have you.
     Back to the Philippine scene. I thought all will result in a brighter future for politics here. Young hopefuls who ran eventually gaining their seats in government. Idealists who are leaders in their own fields of interests were appointed to some cabinet posts. Come the moment however for changing of the guards so to speak. Election. What were impressed upon many was that there would be a change in the way campaigns are to be done. No more bickering, mudslinging, demolition jobs, etc. The new generation of politicians stressed that they will bring this election into a level that is more deserving and meritorious. Issues will be  intelligently debated upon. Speculations shunned. Coercion a thing of the past. But then, there are too many stakeholders this time. A very welcome sight for those watching this not so unexpected event. They who prefer chaos and turmoil over that of stability and progress.
     In the end, still all may find themselves in political (en)trails. And that is putting it lightly. 

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Exodus

      Last night I got to watch Cecile B. DeMille's Ten Commandments. An epic film of long ago. It is mainly about the life of Moses during the Exodus.
     The movie was already around the middle part when I turned on the boob tube. Moses played by Charlton Heston turned  Egypt's water supply red as blood. Not by his own power but God's. There were many other plagues all of which were to convince Egypt's leader to release Israel from bondage. The last one was when from the mouth of Pharaoh (role played by Yul Brynner) himself came the kind of plague that made all the "first born" of Egypt perished from the earth. Moses and his people were saved having painted their doorposts with the blood of the lamb. Thus  the "angel of death" would pass over  their houses  and did not affect them.  While those of the Pharaoh's... This last one apparently made Pharaoh  agree to Moses's demand that they be released. Yet on reaching the Red Sea, Israel, led by Moses and Aaron, found themselves being chased by Pharaoh and his army. And here the momentous event begins to unfold. Israel had no other way to escape. Moses, staff held high, commanded the sea to part.  Mysteriously it did. On the dry path it formed, they finally made their escape. When all were safely on the other side of the sea, Pharaoh's chariots followed them unmindful of the two walls of raging seawater on both sides of the escape route. Unfortunately, the waters came tumbling down on them midway and they all drowned.
     Finding themselves at last free from Pharaoh and his legions, they went about searching for the "Promised Land". But in the middle of the desert, Israel's people, as usual, complained. The last one was when Moses left far on a mountain by himself to get the Tablets of Stone, the Ten Commandments. They argued that they make for themselves an image of God. An image that they can at least touch and see. An idol made of  precious gold. A  golden calf. And they did fashioned one.  Moses was very angry on seeing this. He admonished all to repent and to get back on his side. To those that remained stubborn, fell into gaping cracks on the land where they stood and died.
     Moses, at the end of the film, was not able to set foot on the land of promise. Aaron took over the helm and, together with the people of Israel, began their journey onwards. End of story.
     I have seen Ten Commandments first time it hit the big screen. Quite a few times after on television and on videotapes. Still I seem to find it entertaining to say the least whenever I get the chance to watch it. Compared to the latest films made with the latest technology, De Mille's is a jurassic although already in technicolor. Yet it is still one of the best films ever made by Hollywood.

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