SATURDAY---September 28, 2013 First reading: Zec 2:5-9 Ps: Jer 31:10-13 GOSPEL: Luke 9:43-45 REFLECTION In the gospel of Luke we heard the prediction of the inevitable event, that is, the passion, the fate of Jesus once he reached Jerusalem. This is the second prediction in the gospel narrative of Luke. In fact, what said to his disciples are not just simple words or statements but rather a very significant statement which later on became a reality and focal point of his great love for them and for the rest of humanity. “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” This particular statement of the Jesus was never understood by his disciples. What could be the reason why the disciples did not understand what Jesus had just said when in fact the Lord called them to pay attention to what he just said? The answer is to pound at the last part. The disciples were not able to understand the meaning of the statement “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men”, precisely because they did not ask anymore question why he uttered that seemingly strained words to them. As consequence of not asking question (because of fear?), they became or remain ignorant. As the gospel tells us, the disciples did not understand or grasp the hidden meaning of Jesus’ words. As a disciple or a student, in order for him or her to grasp or understand what the master or professor or teacher is saying or after presenting his/her point is to ask question or ask for clarification; otherwise, that student disciple would learn nothing and became ignorant of the subject matter. To ask question is proper to a student or a learner. How would we able to learn if we just seat there at the back not if we don’t ask question? Perhaps we might not even pay attention or listen. In reality, a good number of people all over the world who graduated high school, college or even theology are perhaps still ignorant the of course they took up. I remember someone joking to his classmate in theology with a smile, saying, “Aba! dati sa class natin sa theology patulog-tulog kalang, pero ngayon, pari kana.” There’s a point in that saying. In fact, we find the same problem in our classrooms everyday also. And that is a very serious problem that the public, private, Catholic universities and theological school are facing today. Many people of today, especial younger generation are prone to this kind of attitude: laziness in study. They don’t even ask anymore question during the class. They would like even to finish the class early as much as possible. And the worst of all, they would like the weekday become holidays. The gospel reminds all of us of our responsibility both as students/disciples and teachers/professors. The world, especially our country needs citizens that are well trained and educated. We must produce not just big number of graduates every year but people with high learning in all fields including morals and religious quality education. The same thing must be applied in the seminary formation. And it is a must. Finally, there the dictum which says: “You cannot give what you don’t have.” Therefore, if we apply this in our Christian faith, particularly as Catholics what would then be the implication? If for instance, we are so ignorant about our faith, how can we live it in our day-to-day life? And if you don’t know how to practice it, then how much more will you be able to defend it from the attacks of other denominations or sects?
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:02:53 +0000
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