In the beginning God created everything to be in harmony,
man, the land and all creatures. But man sinned leading to a rupture with God,
one’s self and others. We have to go back to where God had intended it to be. This
reminds me of the Catholicism lecture by Atty. Jess Moya in St. Martha's Church
about the principle of "Sola Fide" or faith alone. The title of the
talk is "Rebutting the principle of protestantism: "Faith alone"
(Sola Fide). The speaker said that as Catholic Christians we have a
responsibility to spread the word of God and impart it to as many people as
possible. We are encouraged to know more about our faith and not be complacent.
There is big responsibility in our hands to not just accept things as they come
but be able to handle and understand it well. It can build up our confidence in
God and love Him best. We have to pray always that we can all commit to what
Moses is asking us in today's 1st reading. Amen. Hallelujah!
Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Moses said to the people: “If only you would heed the voice
of the LORD, your God,
and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in
this book of the law, when you return to the LORD, your God, with all your
heart and all your soul. “For this command that I enjoin on you today is not
too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky, that you should
say, ‘Who will go up in the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may
carry it out?’ Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross
the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ No, it
is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you
have only to carry it out.”
The following are the main thoughts discussed in the said
talk.
I. Man needs to be saved because of his fallen nature. (Rom
7:21-24 & CCC 1949)
-Man is dominated by
greed, pride and lust (CCC 407 & 1 Jn 5:19 ) The devil has acquired a
certain domination (Gal 5:19) and we are engaged in a battle that has been won
but does not stop there since we have to always put on our guard for the enemy
does not rest. He called the whole process of being saved as
"justification" .
II. "Man is
saved by God's grace alone based on CCC 1996.
-The question is how does the grace of God become an active
part of our life or "by what are we justified?" The example he gave
here was a newborn baby who is baptized. A baby has not merited anything yet
but is saved by the mere act of being baptized. He mentioned about Martin
Luther's despair about his salvation which led him to formulate the doctrine of
justification by "Faith alone"
He misunderstood the Bible passage Rom 3:28 which mentioned faith alone apart
from works of the law. Paul in this letter to the Romans was pertaining to the
Jewish Law which is being practiced during their time like circumcision,
washing of the hands and the like which are practices that can not really
justify a person. Faith alone doctrine states that justification simply means
being "declared righteous" We can not just be declared righteous but
be made righteous by not continuing to sin.
III. Justification actually means being "made
righteous" i.e. it entails the sanctification of his whole being (CCC
1989, 1990, &1995) We are justified not by faith alone nor by works alone.
Justification has its stages i.e. initial and progressive. Initial
justification takes place at our baptism. We still have a tendency to backslide
and during the hour of death is the period of intense spiritual battle over our
soul. That is why we need to mature in our faith.
IV. Certainty of Salvation
"Once saved, always saved?" If we believe in this it tends to put off our
guard. (1 Jn 5:13-14) We should say instead "I know I am saved, still
being saved and will continue to be saved." Justification is a life long process as
stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 4:3-5, 9:27. In Phil 2:12 Paul also encouraged us to
work out our salvation with fear and trembling. For the enemy is waging war on
us and we need to be very aware of this and claim God's protection over us at
all times. (Eph.6:11-12)
V. Epistles against works?
I guess there have been some misunderstanding here of the
following bible verses:
Rom. 3:28 (Obedience of faith) Martin Luther based his
belief on faith alone on this specific verse he failed to see that Paul in
addition to what was mentioned earlier was attacking the Jews with regards to
their ceremonial laws and that it not enough to just hear the law but to
observe it. (Rom 4:5 Total adherence) An example he gave was attending the mass
not just as an obligation but with the heart. Consider it a privilege and do it
for the love of God. He said we are saved by grace not by works but we obtain
the grace of God by good works and the motive is mercy (Eph. 2:8-9 and Titus
3:5)
VI. Epistles supporting "Works"
Here are several bible passages cited to us by Atty Moya
that support the need for us to cooperate and work with God. James 2: 14-22
& 24 say that faith without action is dead. From the gospel of Matthew:
What must I do to be saved? (Mt. 19:16-21) When the rich man asked this
question he was told to keep the commandments and he said he already did so
Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor for he is very
attached to his possessions that he has to let go of all attachments. We are
also called to keep our fire burning for the Lord so that we don't end up like
the 5 virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Mt 25:1-13. The same
principle applies with the Parable of the Talents or Silver pieces that we have
to cultivate the goodness in ourselves and let it grow. It is also very clear
from Mt. 25 31-46 which mentions about the last judgment that we can not just
accept the Grace of salvation but needs to do our part, too since it
specifically stated here that whatever we have failed to do will go to eternal
punishment. Also it is stated in Mt 7:21-27 that we need to live His words
because not everybody who says "Lord" will enter the kingdom of
heaven for there is a need to turn away from our wrongdoings. He said that
there is no dichotomy between Christ and His doctrine. If we really believe in
God then we also need to do what He teaches. The will of God will never take us
to where the grace of God will not protect us. God knows exactly and with
perfection what is being allowed to happen to us in our lives at this precise
moment. God's purpose for us is simply perfect. He wants to show us things that
only we can understand by living what we are living and by being in the place
we are now. In the midst of all these unsightly things there should always be a
burning flame of hope that God will never forsake nor abandon. We should always
maintain our confidence in God and never lose hope and courage in the great
love that God has for us. The ignorance of our faith is ignorance about Jesus.
We may sometimes think that evangelization is just work for the priests and the
religious. It is not limited to them but anyone who is baptized should take on
this responsibility. JFK said, "Here on earth, God's work must truly be
our own." Nothing should ever stop us from being part of the work of God.
God made man in His own image and likeness. (Gen 1:26) In this context we need
to define personhood well and know the perils of limited definition. It could
be classified into 2 definitions, nominal and real. Nominal definition of
personhood is decided by man. It is approaching something that we don't know
but we already have the answer. We make decisions and play God. The dangers of
this definition of a person are:
1. nominal- when we deny to identify a person as a real person. Example is
abortion, when doctors deny the fact that at the moment of conception a person
already exists. 2. real but limited - We do not deny but identify them as persons but with lesser worth like the sick and terminally ill. Just because they are old, weak and sick they deserve to die as in the case of euthanasia.
3. full and real but limited - Kills people as in the Holocaust.
The whole principle involved here is discovery and deciding. When our approach is discovery then we are being lead to the events in our life with a sense of total surrender, trust and faith in the Lord's
We should ascribe to the real definition of personhood. It answers the question what, how and what is it meant to be. Our approach in life to achieve faith and righteousness is by discovery and through an authentic Christian life. It is discovery in the sense that we are open to the intention and purpose of God for us. With a seeking and expectant faith we should allow God to lead us in discovering what is ahead of us and prepared by God. The approach should be in a manner of discovering what God's intention is and respecting it. Checklist of Evangelization.
1. Do we see God as the Primary agent?
God is the Primary Agent of Evangelization. It is not about us but about God.
2. Do we see Evangelization as everyone's responsibility?
We must not end up like the
3. Do we communicate God's love?
4. Is total human betterment part of the ministry?
5. Do we respect other traditions?
God does not take sides. There is an equal opportunity for all but we have to make sure that we are on God's side. We need to rid ourselves of any triumphant or arrogant attitude towards people of other faith. The Abrahamic religion has a common denominator which is belief in God. We are not the sole professor of truth. We need to listen for God's revelation from others, too not only from us.
6. Does our love go beyond Catholic borders?
The
7. Is our approach ecumenical?
We do not have the monopoly of God because the Good News has no border and dealt with a common faith.
8. Do we use all available media?
The best media is our own life, no need for TV. The example of how we live our life is the best means to evangelize. Walk the talk.
9. Do we fully utilize existing groups?
Ministries that renew and energize members.
10. What is our total image?
We've got to maintain a wholesome image unlike the Crusaders, though they were able to convert many to the faith, the spread of the Good News was carried out using the sword.
We must take extra care in projecting the right image as
Good Messengers of the Good News. We should not have any fear or hesitation in carrying out
the task that the Lord has given us. In our commitment to follow the
Lord there are times when we encounter disappointments. We can say that serving
God is not lying on a bed of roses, though God rewards those who obey Him we
have to realize that we too must share in the passion of Christ if we truly are
His followers. For
we know that the Lord in His great love, is always there for us. What
matters most is that we always call on God and allow His saving power to rescue
us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37
R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God! In
your great kindness answer me with your constant help. Answer me, O LORD, for
bounteous is your kindness: in your great mercy turn toward me. R. I am
afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. I will praise
the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. R. “See, you
lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the LORD
hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” R. For God will
save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah .
The descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name
shall inhabit it. R.
The understanding that a Creator made the world leads to a
fundamental responsibility to it. If everything happened by chance there is a
tendency for us to wane in our resolution and our responsibility is
deemphasized. When we watch these movies about the end of the world it gives
the impression that our world exists by random and we look upon the universe as
a product of chance. Everything that exists comes through Jesus. Everything in
the universe came through Christ. He is the foundation of all reality. Creation
is existent and made through and for Him. It does not exist by chance and is
ruled by God and His plan. Aren't we amazed at the love story telenovelas (soap
operas) that we usually see on TV especially in the Filipino Channel (TFC).
Sometimes we find it hard to believe that people in love could do things out of
bounds. And all for the sake of the person he/she loves. But we can not deny
the fact that we sometimes also see it happening around us. This kind of love
that drives people crazy and make them do things that are farfetched means that
we are capable of giving our all to someone we are in a relationship with. Just
consider this even for a moment, if this kind of love is possible then we
should realize that if there's someone whom we should engage in a relationship
with first and foremost then that is no other than our Creator and all other
relationships will surely work out for good. He deserves all the love, praise
and adoration that any human being could possibly give. Today’s 2nd
reading says it all. It is nice to know that we all belong to the brood of
God’s beloved family. We are safe under the protective wings and warmth of His
love and care. Amen. Hallelujah!
Colossians 1:15-20
15 Brothers and sisters, Christ Jesus is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all
things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones
or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him
and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn
from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent...
Today's gospel is another beautiful story told by Jesus
Himself. It is the story of the Good Samaritan. It has always been highlighted
how we should follow the example of this Good Samaritan who defied the letter
of the law to fulfill what is most important, the Spirit of the Law which is
love and mercy. As some may already know, during that time priests and Levites
were not allowed to mingle with people tainted with blood or something to that
effect, or maybe of a different race. We Catholic Christians tend to be over
anxious in strictly following the laws of God to the letter and then fail to
recognize that the greatest law of God is love. Sometimes we are carried away
and so anxious to follow the laws imposed on us and sometimes fail to realize
that it is law that should serve us and not otherwise. God will always push the
limits of goodness to the edge like there is no room for more. When we were
asked during one of our bible studies, who the greatest story teller is,
everybody answered, Jesus. The explanation given to us why there are lesser
books in the New Testament as compared to the Old Testament is that Jesus
belonged to a non writing culture then. Jesus' style and current tradition did
not rely on written but oral teaching. This truth is emphasized by today's
parable and encourages us to tell our own stories that can give glory to God as
a way of following the footsteps of our Lord Jesus. No one could ever refute
this bible passage in today's gospel. It contains everything we have to know
and understand in order to inherit eternal life. It is just the part on who is
our neighbor that is in question. Jesus answered well when he gave this example
that even the person whom you consider your greatest enemy as in the case of a
Jew and a Samaritan is still our neighbor. We run out of excuses that we just
have to obey and follow. Another thing worth mentioning with regards to the
Good Samaritan is what St. Augustine
thinks about it. He said that the wounded man is the New Adam attacked by Satan
and left for dead. The priest and the Levites represent the Old Testament
covenant which could not save him and Jesus is the Good Samaritan who stripped
Himself of His kingship in heaven came down to earth and saved us. Amen.
Hallelujah!
Luke 10:25-37
25 There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus
and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus said to
him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27 He said in reply,
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being,
with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
28 He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
29 But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my
neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from
Jerusalem to Jericho . They stripped and beat him and went
off leaving him half-dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road, but
when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 Likewise a Levite came
to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 33 But a
Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. 34
He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged
them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for
him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the
innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what
I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three,
in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 37 He answered, “The one
who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
No comments:
Post a Comment