Conversation with a Fellow Christian

I was waiting for the bus to arrive on late afternoon. I took a seat on the bus stop and took out my Magnificat prayer book to read that day's Mass reading. The lady next to me (probably noticing what I was doing) asked me "Are you a Christian?". I said yes. She seemed interested in what I was reading and introduced herself as a Christian too.  She later told me that it is only Jesus who can save me, not the Virgin Mary nor the Pope. I agreed. 

She went on by saying that neither the Mass or the bread and wine can save me. I told her that in my Catholic faith, we believe that the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus during Consecration. She disagreed and explained that the 'Body of Christ' is us. I said to her that indeed we, the Church, form the body of Christ, but Christ Himself said that He who eats His body will be saved. The woman disagreed again and told me that Judas ate the bread and drank the wine, but wasn't saved. I retorted "How about the other 11 (apostles)?". Still, she ignored the question reiterating that it's only Jesus who can save us.  With the bus arriving, I stood up and thanked the lady for offering her views.

This seemed to be the first time I spoke with a fellow Christian where there seemed no agreement of ideas except that Jesus is the only saviour of the world. While I do have some former work colleagues who are also Christians from other denominations such as Methodist and Baptist (with whom I could relate well), this conversation I have had looked challenging. While I do respect her views, there came a time that I have to speak up to what I believe in.

Looking at the bigger picture where leaders of the Catholic Church are in dialogue with their counterparts in other Christian denominations, I guess such a conversation that I had with my fellow bus passenger would have been present.  Indeed, it is a big scandal to see a division among the followers of Jesus, among Christians. I pray for my fellow Christian that she would at least respect my belief and, ultimately know the truth. I echo what Jesus' prayer to His Father: "that they will all be one" (John 17:21).

Considering too the division among Christians, it is also imperative for us Catholics to know and deepen our faith - this is our web's intention this month. I remember 20 odd years ago in the Philippines when fundamentalists posed a challenge for us Catholics.  I note how the Filipino Catholic bishops lamented, in their exhortation to the laity early this year, the shallowness of some laity's faith and urged them to know more and deepen their faith lest they be indoctrinated by other religions. The conversation I have had was a wake up call to speak up in defence of the faith. It also jolted me to revisit the same faith that have been passed on to me. Baka nangangalawang na kasi (as it might be gathering rust already). 

There is, however, a more jolting experience happening elsewhere: the violence happening in Iraq that, according to Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako, could spell the end of Christianity in the country. The head of the Chaldean Catholic Church (Iraq's largest Christian community) also mentioned that Muslims are also suffering from this violence. What is heart warming is that these persecuted Christians "... are known to be a disinterested mediator seeking the good of the country.Where fighting groups refuse to meet outside, when we invite them to our Churches to talk, they come," according to Patriarch Sako. Let us be united in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering persecution for their faith.  

Sacrilege!

The annual procession of the image of Jesus the Black Nazarene every January 9th has been a spectacle in Manila.  Thousands of devotees would flock to Quiapo Church to pay tribute to their patron and join the procession.  When I was a kid I would hear of people being killed or wounded in the procession that it brought cold chill in my spine.  My one and only experience of the procession happened in 1989 when my friend Jonathan De la Llana, a devotee, tagged me along to watch the procession. During those days, the procession starts from the church. It was only recently that the procession began at the Quirino Grandstand to remember the translacion (transfer) of the original image of the Nazareno from Intramuros to Quiapo. The transfer is preceded by a Mass. 

When I was still in Manila, I would go to the church to attend Mass during the feast of the Nazareno.  For me, that was it!

I got perturbed when I read posts made by friends on Facebook on how unruly some devotees were so much so that they managed to remove the statue from the altar while the Kordero ng Diyos (Lamb of God) was being sung.   Here's a video from Youtube to complete the story!

I am disgusted how some devotees didn't have that respect for the Mass when it's the same Jesus (to whom they are devoted) who instituted this sacrament and commanded us to "do this in memory of me".  Mind you, during the singing of Kordero ng Diyos the consecrated hosts and wine would have already been at the altar table ready for distribution.  

Watching how things unravelled, I don't know what happened to Cardinal Tagle (the Mass Presider) as it seemed that he and other men of the cloth got silenced by a mob of devotos. The cardinal could have raised his voice in protest. He's the presider isn't he?  I saw some men in blue uniform, but they seemed to be overwhelmed too!  Not sure why they suddenly 'retreated' when they saw the mob approaching the altar.  It didn't help either that there was this man (Is he a priest or a commentator?) who initially gave instructions for the mob to get down to allow the Mass to be finished, but later went with the flow and facilitated the transfer of the statue from the altar to the carroza. A reprimand is in order for that guy!

What happened to the Mass?  Here's a photo from a friend in Facebook.  Apparently, the priests went to the VIP room to ensure that the Body and Blood of Jesus are protected from the stampede.  This is where they also finished the Mass.

If this sacrilege would continue next year, organizers of the translacion should take a serious look at this.  If the Mass would be disrespected, it might be best to just have it held in the church.  The translacion could still be held at the Luneta, but no more Mass.  A Way of the Cross seems more appropriate. I agree with a friend who suggested that the military took charge of security next year.

Sad to say those devotees who couldn't  wait for the Mass to be completed give the rest of well meaning devotees a bad image.  Furthermore, this incident (not to mention the huge amount of garbage that was left along the path of the procession) questions how deep our faith is as Filipino Catholics - ordained and laity alike.  Up to what extent to do follow Jesus?  Surely, being disrespectful in the Mass and littering are incompatible with His teachings!  Where do we recognize Jesus and everything He represents in our midst?  Do we still see Him in the form of bread and wine or are we just contented with statues and images?