Long before it happened

Jesus knows.

16 Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger[a] greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. 18 I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.’ 19 From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. 20 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”-John13:16-20

Jesus said, "I know those whom I have chosen." Despite Peter's denial of Jesus, His Majesty still chose him as His disciple. Despite the other disciples' abandonment of Jesus, His Majesty still chose them as His disciples. And despite Judas' betrayal, the truth is, Jesus still chose him as His disciple. If I were to see my future, and if I found out that this or that person will betray me later on, as early as now I am going to distance myself or avoid that person. But Jesus never sent Judas away because He knew that every body can change. Jesus said, "From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM." Jesus is preparing His disciples of what's going to happen. Perhaps this is also Jesus' way of saying to them all not to lose heart, not to despair, to be strong and to believe that He has forgiven them all long before the Passion and Crucifixion happened. Long before our miseries came to be, Jesus has a ready solution at hand. All we have to do is accept the outstretched hand He is offering to us.

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The Role to Play

We all have a role to play, a purpose in life.

14 Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,[a] went to the chief priests 15 [b]and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, 16 and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,[c] the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 [d]He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” 19 The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”[e] 22 Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 24 [f]The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” 25 [g]Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

Every story has a villain, a hero, a climax, a turning point, a beginning, an end, a twist, etc. In our present reality, we do not want to be the 'Judas Iscariot' of the group. As I read the gospel reading, I cannot help but wonder if Judas' role is really the villain through and through. After all even Jesus said, "... but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Is Judas meant to be doomed even before his birth, then? It is true that Jesus is Love and He is an overflowing river of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Surely, there is room for forgiveness for Judas. However, because of despair, lacking in trust and faith, and guilt, Judas opted to kill himself rather than face Jesus. Perhaps Judas was afraid that he will not be forgiven. But then again, isn't it true that Jesus never condemns, never judges, always forgives, heals and gives many chances? If there is an alternative ending for Judas, I would like that he did not kill himself. I would have wanted that he asked for forgiveness, mercy and compassion, and that Jesus gave it to Him. His story will definitely be very remarkable, if it is the case. A perfect story for those who are wondering if there is forgiveness for those who sincerely ask for one despite one's sinfulness. The choice is ours if we want to take the road to destruction or the road to redemption. Jesus does not condemn. Despite knowing the plan of Judas, never did Jesus say in the group that the former is plotting evil against Him. This is a proof that Jesus continues to knock in all our hearts, and will never condemn. What will our choice be?

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An endless river of mercy, forgiveness and compassion

God's endless mercy!

[53 Then each went to his own house, 1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.[b] 2 But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.[c] So what do you say?” 6 They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.[d] 7 [e]But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.”]-John8:1-11

One of my favorite acts of mercy of Jesus. The woman was caught in the very act of adultery, no doubt about that. (What about the man involved? Isn't it true that it takes '2 to tango?') The woman was not given a chance to defend herself and was given immediately a death sentence, no doubt about that. But Jesus never said, "It's your fault" or "You brought it upon yourself" or "You're not careful, that's why." Jesus never judged, never condemned even if the woman was more than guilty of adultery. He showed mercy, forgiveness and compassion. Rather than condemning like the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus gave new hope, healing and a brand new beginning to the woman. Jesus believed that there is something good in the woman and is capable of great change for herself.

Jesus, too, believes that we are capable of good and great changes for ourselves. He is here to support us, believe in us and be with us, even if there's no one around.

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Best Plan

God knows how to upset the best of plans if it is not for our own good and/or it is not according to His plans.

16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.[a][b] 18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,[c] but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,[d] yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord[e] appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:23 [g]“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.-Matthew1:16-24

In Jewish tradition, betrothal is the first part of marriage. When a man takes his bride to his home, normal married life will then commence. If a woman commits infidelity during betrothal stage, it is considered adultery. Proved adultery (Intercourse with another man's wife from the first stage of marriage) is punishable by stoning. Joseph, as a righteous man - that is a devout observer of the Mosaic Law, is required to expose Mary's condition. However, Joseph gave a new meaning to righteousness by showing mercy and compassion. He does not want to expose Mary's shame and would divorce her quietly instead. A noble plan actually. But God intervenes and upsets Joseph's plan. God planned that Joseph will be the father figure of Jesus here on earth.

Like Joseph, we have created so many noble plans, so many good plans in our life. But not all noble and good plans are the best for us or God's will for us. Yes, God can upset the best of plans because He knows better and what is for own good.

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Children of Light

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed."

14 And just as Moses lifted up[a] the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 [b]so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”16 For God so loved the world that he gave[c] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn[d] the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 [e]And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21 But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.-John3:14-21

Those who engage themselves in embezzlement of funds would do it in secret or behind closed doors. The men who enter into extra-marital affairs would do it in secret or in faraway places where they are not known at all. Even cheating during exams are done in secret or in a furtive way. Aren't we tired of secrets? Aren't we tired of constantly looking behind our backs? Aren't we tired of fear of being discovered? Aren't we tired of hiding? Aren't we tired of always explaining? Aren't we tired of lies? Aren't we tired of the heaviness in our hearts because we are guilty? Jesus does not condemn but He is inviting us to step into the light. Our actions may say we are evil or wicked, but the Light - that is Jesus - can purify us and make us brand new and whole once more. Jesus is full of mercy and compassion; He will wash us clean and free of the stains of sins. It is never too late to change and repent. Jesus is inviting us to be children of Light today! Now, let us put on the New Skin - the armor of Jesus.

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Power of Speech

The power of speech!

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.-Mark1:21-28

Jesus taught with authority. He was a great speaker and teacher, thus, every body was always amazed and astonished at Him for He was not like the rest. How did He speak that made Him so effective? Jesus speaks of Words that build, and does not destroy. Jesus speaks of Words that uplift, and does not put down others. Jesus speaks of Words that heal, and does not pain. Jesus speaks of love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and not hatred, war, stubbornness of heart, revenge and the like. It is true that Jesus used strong words - like hypocrites - to address the Pharisees, scribes, teachers of the Law, and so many others. But, it was given to the rightful recipient of it. It was not meant to demean but to build. What about us? In this age of freedom of expression and speech, are we using it well - to build, heal, uplift, love, be merciful, be compassionate and be forgiving to others? Or are we using it to demean, destroy, put down or pain others even if they are not doing anything wrong? Are we hasty in giving a rude and nasty comment even if the person does no wrong to us? If we need to make a point, must we always resort to rudeness? Let us all bear in mind that the power of speech must be regulated or toned down one way or another. For if not, chaos is inevitable. Should we provoke or be bold with our words, we can still opt to tone it down or minimize the damage. If we fail to put a boundary or parameters on our freedom to express, all of us will go in a downward traverse where freedom of expression can be shown also through inhuman ways. Lastly, before we do something, all writers, artists and publishers must also bear in mind the impact of their words on its intended audience as well as those who might possibly be offended by it.

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Wrapped into One

Many people come to Jesus.

7 [a]Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people [followed] from Galilee and from Judea. 8 Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. 9 He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. 10 He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 11 [b]And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” 12 He warned them sternly not to make him known.-Mark3:7-12

As I reflected on the Gospel reading, I wondered how it was during the time of Jesus when there was no crowd controllers, no security forces, everybody is desirous of touching Jesus on His clothes, hands, anywhere. What's with Jesus? It is mercy, compassion, forgiveness and love wrapped in His person. Jesus is inviting and encouraging us all to be agents of mercy, compassion, forgiveness and love to others as well. When was the last time we have shown mercy? compassion? forgiveness? love to others?

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What will I do?

There lies a higher need somewhere.

23 As he was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. 24 At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 25 He said to them, “Have you never read what David did[a] when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? 26 How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” 27 Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man,[b] not man for the sabbath. 28 [c]That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”-Mark2:23-28

To be a good person is very ideal. To be perfect is very ideal. To be sinless is very ideal. Though these characteristics make a person truly likeable and acceptable anywhere, what is more important is love. Love makes everything complete. Can one truly celebrate Sabbath if a person is extremely hungry or suffering? If there is a reversal of role, and the Pharisees found themselves in extreme hunger, what will they do? Sabbath is not just a day of rest, but also a day of celebration of mind, heart and soul.

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Loves righteously

Mercy and Love.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God is with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son,and he gave him the name Jesus.-Matthew1:18-25

Righteous means (of a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous. A righteous person conforms to or in conformity with the moral law. I think, then, that this type of person will do and follow what is exactly written especially by the moral law. According to the Law, a woman found to be with child out of wedlock faces banishment or stoning to death depending on the situation. In Mary's case, supposing Joseph declared that the child is not his and supposing that no one would believe that her child is the Holy Spirit's work, she faces either banishment and/or execution of both mother and child. But Joseph has shown mercy and compassion. Instead of putting her to shame - which is actually what he should have done as a righteous man - he opted for a quiet divorce. Divorce is not a good thing too. But compared to death sentence, divorce is probably much better instead, considering that Mary and her child would be banished and not put to death. But God has better plans. God protected Mary and Jesus by revealing to Joseph in a dream that the child is the Savior and Mary conceived not out of sin, but through the Holy Spirit. Mary and her Child were given a home and a good man that will care for them both.

God is rich in mercy and compassion. Even the most evil of men is forgiven by God and will be embraced by Him should s/he repent. Joseph probably was much pained by Mary's pregnancy knowing that it was not his. But instead of being angry at her, hating her or putting her to shame, he has shown mercy, compassion and love which is a true indicator that Joseph had the grace to have a heart similar to God. Not all injustices should be paid equally by blood. Not all pains should be equally paid by pain. Not all wrongs should be equally paid by shame and disgrace. What do you prefer? A righteous world where love is absent? Or a world that loves and forgives righteously?

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