Through the valley...with Christ
The Way of the Journey - Adviento 2012
FIRST WORDS
Old Lessons...New Learnings
Most things we ought to know, we learned in Kindergarten and in Sunday School [cf: All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School- Robert Fulghum, 1990]. Some lessons, though, we have to revisit, review and re-learn. Some, we have to unlearn or simply cast away as excess baggage.
This season of Advent, I suggest we revisit Simbang Gabi (The Nativity Story) and Santa Claus (Miracle on 34th Street). ABS-CBN Cinema One tells us, “ang buhay natin parang sine,” indeed, many movie story plots are drawn from real life, real time and real historical events involving real people.
The Nativity Story (2006) made history as being the first film ever to stage its world premiere in Vatican City.
The plot begins with the portrayal of the Massacre of the Innocents.
The remainder of the movie portrays the annunciation (conception) and nativity (birth) of Jesus Christ to explain why King Herod (Ciarán Hinds) ordered the murder. Teenage Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes), betrothed to marry Joseph of Judea (Oscar Isaac), is spoken to by God and told that she is to deliver His child and call him Jesus. Mary then goes to stay with her cousin Elizabeth (Shohreh Aghdashloo) for the harvest, when she witnesses the birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth, who is past child bearing age, and her husband Zachariah (Stanley Townsend). Mary returns from the visit pregnant, to the shock of Joseph and her parents. Mary is accused of fornication, for which, if she is found guilty, she could be stoned to death in a public execution. At first Joseph does not believe Mary's explanation that she was visited by an angel, and that she has not broken her vow of chastity. He resolves to quietly divorce her, but before he acts on this plan, he is visited by the very same angel. Joseph then believes Mary, and promises to stay by her side...
The Nativity Story, http://en.wikipedia.org
The rest of the film review is fairly accurate compared with the recorded accounts in the gospels of Luke and Matthew. Now we can cast away the myth that Simbang Gabi is nothing more than just Bibingka and Puto Bungbong. The portion of thestory about Mary visiting with her cousin Elizabeth for the harvest points to a real season we can all identify with - the season of harvest and more important it leads us to the real presence of the Lord of the Harvest in the Misa de Gallo.
With a clearer vision and from a more objective vantage point, we can now appreciate Anding Roces' historical essay -
Now we can proudly say the Filipino church has its own native symbols of Advent and Christmas to enrich the Sunday School version of The Nativity Story – the Filipino farmers representing the Shepherds of the Scriptures; and gifts of Bibingka, Puto Bungbong, and Tea from Avocado Leaves representing those offered by the Wisemen of the Orient!
*****
Miracle on 34th Street is about advocacy for human rights : the right of children to believe, “a lot of people believe in Mr. Kris Kringle including millions of children...” the right of every person to be heard, “I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor... I'm a symbol. I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If... you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt (Kris Kringle)...” the right of the accused to a counsel and a fair trial, ”It's not just Kris Kringle who's on trial, it's everything he stands for...kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles... Your Honor, a lot of people believe in Mr. Kringle. Including millions of children. If you rule against him, you won't destroy anyone's belief but you will destroy the man they believe in. Mr. Kringle is not concerned for himself, if he was he wouldn't be here. He is in this regrettable position because he is willing to sacrifice himself for children. To create in their minds a world far better than the one we've made for them. If this is a masquerade... then Mr. Kringle is eager to forfeit his freedom to preserve that masquerade...To subject himself to prosecution to protect the children's right to believe. If this court finds that Mr. Kringle is not who he says he is, that there is no Santa, I ask the court to judge which is worse: A lie that draws a smile or a truth that draws a tear.” http://en.wikipedia.org
Santa Clause, Jolly Old Saint Nick, Saint Nicolas, Father Christmas. These are the many names of Kris Kringle, aka Santa Clause. So where did he come from, what is his real story and why do we love him so much. From his red suit to his black boots, his rosy cheeks to his laugh like a bowl full of jello, Santa Clause is kids favorite all over the world.
Santa Clause is sometimes referred to as Kriss Kringle, a name most likely derived from Christ Kindl (Christ-child). The German name of the Christ Child is Christkind, commonly used in its diminutive form Christkindel. The Dutch-German protestant reform movement brought in the idea that the Christchild should be the standard bearer for Christmas.
Santa Clause is one of the most important parts of a child's life. He gives children hopes, dreams and a reason to believe. He fills Christmas morning with laughter, happiness, and a world of amazement.
Lisa Mejean, The Story of Kris Kringle, http://voices.yahoo.com Nov 28, 2006
Now we can cast away the myth that Santa Claus is nothing more than just a Christmas Eve jolly akyat-bahay fellow on a nocturnal adventure, kissing moms and bribing innocent kids who may catch him on the act. No, God has not run out of surprises and miracles... Santa Claus included. Remember, “God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham” (Matthew 3:9).
The miracle of Advent is about Advocacy for human rights, including the rights of barren women, Sarai, Leah, Rachel, Hannah and Elizabeth, to full womanhood. Each is entitled to a kiss...each is entitled to a bear child, "This is what the Lord did for me when he looked favorably on me and took away my public disgrace (Luke 1:25)".
Yes, the miracle of Advent is about advocacy for human rights including the right of humankind to be rightful heir of the Good News of redemption. This is the highest form of advocacy, one that will not rest ‘til it reaches heaven’s gates - “I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. (1 John 2:1)”. The miracle...the good news...the Gospel of Advent is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior..."For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"!
Through the valley...with Christ--The Way of the Journey, is my dream book project. It is a compilation of meditations and other essays reflecting a personal ministry which I pray our merciful Lord may bless to bring glory to His Name. I had planned it to be a three-volume-collection drawing on the three-years-cycle of scripture readings based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) used by churches of the reformed tradition.
Picking up some loose pieces from past attempts, let me start again with Adviento 2012, using RCL Year C lections. Adviento 2012 is a celebration of the Gospel of Advent, with the theme Martyrdom with Christ (Cycle C). It is a collection of liturgies for four Sundays of Advent and a special supplement : Simbang Gabi, worship notes for the traditional nine days dawn services, and for Christmas Eve service, Christmas service , and New Year Watch Night service.
With our theme, Martyrdom with Christ, we pray NOT for the privilege of dying a martyr’s death BUT for the privilege of living a martyr’s life, serving the cause of Christ and His church. We have one such person in mind, Atty. Joe Frank Zuniga, a comrade in faith we dearly long to see again. Let us dedicate Adviento 2012 in his loving memory. Let it also be known as the Writ of Amos, ever screaming, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
Finally, let Adviento 2012 be an affirmation of everlasting hope in God –
Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition... Both the season of Advent and the season of Lent are about hope. It is not just hope for a better day or hope for the lessening of pain and suffering, although that is certainly a significant part of it. It is more about hope that human existence has meaning and possibility beyond our present experiences, a hope that the limits of our lives are not nearly as narrow as we experience them to be. It is not that we have possibility in ourselves, but that God is a God of new things and so all things are possible (Isa 42:9, Mt 19:26, Mk 14:36)- Dennis Bratcher Copyright © 2011, http://www.cresourcei.org
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight!
1
MARTYRDOM WITH CHRIST
Key to An Enduring Reign of Justice and Righteousness
Key Text - In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land (Jeremiah 33:15).
Thesis - Moral uprightness--in public and private affairs--remains an idle hope until we join the righteous Branch from God in pursuing it for ourselves and our nation.
I
Reign of Justice and Righteousness,
a Sacred Responsibility
In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Jeremiah 33:15
II
Reign of Justice and Righteousness,
a Social Responsibility
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men...so that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
III
Reign of Justice and Righteousness,
a Personal Responsibility
But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life...Watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34,36
Thought for Discussion
Enduring justice and righteousness in our land may yet be realized in this our own time as we join the righteous Branch from God in executing "justice and righteousness in the land" even if it means martyrdom with Christ.
2
MARTYRDOM WITH CHRIST
A Foretaste of the Fruit of Faithful Servanthood
Key Text –
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
(Luke 3:6)
Thesis -
The pursuit of justice and righteousness amidst the reign of terror and abuse is indeed a daunting task but as it was promised that the righteous Branch from God will execute justice and righteousness in the land, we can only follow John the Baptist in preparing the way.
I
Martyrdom with Christ : A divine appointment in servanthood
Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me...(Malachi 3:1)
II
Martyrdom with Christ : A foregone conclusion in servanthood
And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
III
Martyrdom with Christ : A foretaste of the fruit of faithful servanthood.
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3:6
Thought for Discussion
A foretaste of the fruit of faithful servanthood is realized the moment we accept the divine appointment to prepare the way for the reign of justice and righteousness in the land.
3
MARTYRDOM WITH CHRIST
Formula for Social Justice
Key Text - He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise; collect no more than is appointed you; rob no one by violence or false accusation and be content with your wages (Luke 3:10-14).
Thesis - Miscarriage of justice most often results from the misconception that the law and the authority are one and the same.
Outline
I
Martyrdom with Christ : A response to the imperative for social transformation
Behold…I will deal with your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth (Zephaniah 3:19).
II
Martyrdom with Christ : A response to the imperative for economic transformation
Rejoice in the Lord always…Have no anxiety about anything…let your requests be made known…And the peace of God, which passes all understanding,
will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
III
Martyrdom with Christ : A response to the imperative for leadership transformation
He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise; collect no more than is appointed you; rob no one by violence or false accusation and be content with your wages (Luke 3:10-14).
Thought for Discussion
He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise; collect no more than is appointed you; rob no one by violence or false accusation and be content with your wages and social justice shall prevail throughout the land..
4
MARTYRDOM WITH CHRIST
Doing the Will of God
Key Text - Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings (these are offered according to the law)... Lo, I have come to do thy will (Hebrews 10:8-9).
Thesis - It takes more than an executive order to set the rule of law and the reign of justice and righteousness in place throughout the land, it requires the executive’s exercise of holy fear of God and willingness to offer the supreme sacrifice to achieve genuine people’s liberation.
Outline
I
Martyrdom with Christ means being clothed with the authority of God to prepare the way for Christ’s reign of justice and righteousness
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God (Micah 5: 5).
II
Martyrdom with Christ means being clothed with the humility of Christ to set the standards for the reign of justice and righteousness throughout the land
Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices, offerings, and burnt offerings and sin offerings…Lo, I have come to do thy will. Hebrews 10:8-9
III
Martyrdom with Christ means being clothed with the glory of Christ to personify the meaning of righteous fear of God.
And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50).
Thought for Discussion
It takes more than an executive order to set the rule of law and the reign of justice and righteousness in place throughout the land, it requires the executive’s exercise of holy fear of God and willingness to offer the supreme sacrifice to achieve genuine people’s liberation.
Those who have suffered and still hope understand far more about God and about life than those who have not. Maybe that is what hope is about: a way to live, not just to survive, but to live authentically amidst all the problems of life with a Faith that continues to see possibility when there is no present evidence of it, just because God is God. That is also the wonder of Advent. - Dennis Bratcher, ibid.
And the blessings of our God Almighty—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--be with us all now and evermore!
alex lopez saclayan
26 October 2012
Except in the Holy Mass, the advent season is not popularly commemorated in the Philippines. The word advent is from the Latin word adventus, which means a coming. It is the season that is supposed to remind the faithful of the two advents of Christ: the first was His birth in Bethlehem, the second will be His return to glory on the Day of Judgment. In other Catholic countries, it is observed like Lent, meaning it is commemorated with fasting, prayers and meditation.
Originally its celebration began on St. Andrew's Day (November 30), exactly four weeks before Christmas. Now, it starts on the first Sunday closest to St. Andrew's Day which means the first Sunday of December.One reason why Advent is not popularly commemorated in the Philippines is because we have our very own special Christmas – coming commemoration in our simbang gabi, or dawn-Mass novena celebrated from December 16 to the 25th.
The custom is a two-in-one commemoration. It is a novena in honor of the Nativity and a harvest festival. Rice is harvested in December and that is the reason why the Masses are celebrated before dawn - to allow the farmers to hear Mass before they go to the fields to work. The harvest explains why the farmers have a breakfast feast after the Mass - to thank God for the fruits of their harvest. It is both a religious and a secular festival.
In many parts of the country, it is customary to give to the church the very first grains of palay reaped from the harvest. So the folks regard the dawn Masses as the official start of our Christmas celebration...
Alejandro R. Roces, "Advent Officially Starts the Christmas Season," ROSES AND THORNS, The Philippine Star, 2000
When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 original, http://www.imdb.com
Storyline
At the Macy's Department Store Thanksgiving Day parade, the actor playing Santa is discovered to be drunk by a whiskered old man. Doris Walker, the no nonsense special events director, persuades the old man to take his place. The old man proves to be a sensation and is quickly recruited to be the store Santa at the main Macy's outlet. While he is successful, Ms. Walker learns that he calls himself Kris Kringle and he claims to be the actual Santa Claus. Despite reassurances by Kringle's doctor that he is harmless, Doris still has misgivings, especially when she has cynically trained herself, and especially her daughter, Susan, to reject all notions of belief and fantasy. And yet, people, especially Susan, begin to notice there is something special about Kris and his determination to advance the true spirit of Christmas amidst the rampant commercialism around him and succeeding in improbable ways...
Kenneth Chisholm kchishol@rogers.com
