THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS

One of the greatest events in the history of mankind is the Mystery of GOD BECOMING MAN, which theologians call “INCARNATION”. This is the event we celebrate during the CHRISTMAS season.

The whole world during this time of the year is engaged in multifarious activities which in one way or another is a manifestation of the so-called “spirit of Christmas”.

The question that bothers me and of which I would like to dwell on is: “Is the world really celebrating CHRISTMAS in its true meaning, that is the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ?

In my observation it seems that in some aspect Christmas is being celebrated without the real HERO in mind. This we can see in the word – X’MAS, which makes CHRIST the UNKNOWN. Hence, any celebration without CHRIST becomes purely worldly and is bereft of the true significance of Christmas.

To make our celebrations meaningful, there is a need to reflect on this great mystery of GOD’S LOVE for the WORLD; that the reason of Christmas is embodied in John 3:16 which reads: “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM MAY NOT BE LOST, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE” GOD’S LOVE, therefore, is the HEART of CHRISTMAS. In His great love for us He, who is invisible, made Himself visible by letting His only Son become Man like us. And so, CHRIST was born and lived historically for 33 years in this world. How He lived, what He did, what He said are written in books which we call the ‘GOSPELS’. To summarize His life Peter said: “…He went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38)

The mystery of Christ becoming Man, did not end with His death on the Cross. He rose from His death and just before His Ascension to heaven said: “I am with you always until the end of the world”(Matt.28:20). Therefore, our rejoicing during Christmas, should be grounded not only by CHRIST’S becoming MAN, though He is God, but also by His continued PRESENCE in our midst. and in our hearts. CHRIST, Who is GOD’S MANIFESTATION OF LOVE, is here with us, ALIVE and still GOING ABOUT DOING GOOD. in and through each one of us if we welcome His presence to abide in us.

Indeed, “GOD’S PRESENCE WITH AND IN US IS HIS GREATEST PRESENT TO US” This is the mystery that should fill us with joy and which should be the sole reason for all our celebrations during this Holy Season of Christma.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

Dec. 18, 2009

MARTIAL LAW IN MAGUINDANAO

The imposition of Martial Law by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Philippines, shortly after the gruesome ‘Maguindanao Massacre’ last November 23, 2009, has been and is still being hotly contested by public officials and private individuals.

I would like to share my own personal viewpoint on this matter.

The basis of the contentions is the provision in our Philippine Constitution which reads: “In case of invasion or rebellion, when public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law” (Art. VII, Sec. 18).

The legalists contend that based on this provision of our Constitution the imposition of Martial Law in this particular case is illegal. On the other hand,others view the imposition as a necessity under the circumstances, and therefore, is morally right. Hence, there are differences in opinion between those who strictly stick to the provision of the Law and those who see things from the viewpoint of morality.

At this juncture, I recall the axiom that what is legally wrong may be morally right and vice versa, what is legally right may be morally wrong.

In the Gospel of Mark 2:27, Jesus said: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” He said this when He cured a paralyzed man on a Sabbath which according to the Law of the Pharisees should not have been done. Then in Matthew 12:3-5 we also read: “ Jesus answered: ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his men were hungry? He went into the house of God, and ate the bread offered to God, although neither he nor his men had the right to eat it, but only the priests. And have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the Temple break the Sabbath rest, yet they are not guilty?’”.

From the foregoing statements of our Lord Jesus Christ, laws are made for man and not man for the laws. This means that the good or welfare of man should prevail over whatever may be a prescription of the law. And the good of man is the objective of the law of love which according to Christ is the greatest commandment, next to the Love of God. (Mk. 12:29-31).

To love is to seek the neighbor’s welfare. It entails making a decision which must be omnified, taking everything into account, and optimific, doing what is best under the circumstances. In making such a decision one has to be guided not so much by what the law says but by what one’s conscience dictates. This is where morality comes in guided by a kind of inner voice, called “conscience” which makes someone conscious of the goodness or blameworthiness of his conduct together with a feeling of obligation to do what is right or good.

One’s decision, however, has always to consider the concrete circumstances of any situation. For as President Barack Obama says: “Each historical moment is different. You never step into the same river twice”.

To my mind, the decision made by Her Excellency President Gloria M. Aroyo in imposing Martial Law in order to restore peace and order in Maguindanao may be legally wrong, but is morally right.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Dec. 13, 2009