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Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

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Lost Cultures: Living Legacies

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Bermuda: The Crossroads of the Atlantic 51:57

vor 10 Tagen51:57

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On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

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The Inclusive Church with special ministry to the LGBTQI community

22 Episoden

#Religion #Christianity #San Jose #Philippines #Open Table MCC Sunday Worship

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

20 subscribers

updated vor 6 Tagen

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The Inclusive Church with special ministry to the LGBTQI community

22 Episoden

#Religion #Christianity #San Jose #Philippines #Open Table MCC Sunday Worship

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Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

1
To Be Or To Do 17:52

vor 6 Tagen17:52

17:52

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many ill, blind, lame, and paralyzed people. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The ill man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am making my way someone else steps down ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a Sabbath. John 5:1-9 NRSVUE Muli, isang mapagpalayang hapon sa lahat, we are still on our easter preaching series na may temang The gift of Surprises: The Joy of unexpected, so sa text na binasa natin, which is titled” Jesus Heals on the sabbath, klaro na ang surprise element is yung pagpapagaling ni Jesus dun sa lalaki na paralyzed for 48 years, so we can only imagine the joy of this man for being healed after such a long time, so sa sobrang happy nya, pinamalita nya ito ngayon sa lahat, ngunit imbis na ma galak, ay tila parang nainis pa ang mga ito, they said to him, uy, wait lang, sino ba yang nagpa galing sayo, sino ba yang Jesus na yan, diba bawal yan? Diba sabbath ngayon, araw ng pahinga, so sa pagpapatuloy nung kwento ng John Chapter 5, sobrang OA ng reaction ng karamihan, since mga hudyo sila, ang ginawa ni Jesus ay isang paglabag sa kanilang batas, kaya’t ganun nalang ang galit nila, pero anung sagot ni Jesus, ang panginoon nga ay patuloy sa pag gawa, at pagkilos, and so I am working, so lalo pang lumevel up yung irita nila kay Jesus, sabi sa verse 18, For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the Sabbath but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God. So very progressive ng eksena dito ni Jesus noh at talaga namang nagpapakita ng radikal na pagmamahal, so pag tinuloy pa natin yun kwento ay marami pang mga eksena ng balitaktakan si Jesus with the jews sa chapter na ito, at very consistent sya dun sa pagtawag sa panginoon as his Father, Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes sabi sa verse 21, na tila tungkol sa kwento ni Lazarus na bumangon sa pagkaka himlay. that story among many others ay parang hindi pa talaga enough for them to believe, pero hindi napagod si Jesus sa pag explain, sa pag papaalala at sa pag sesermon, gaya ng isang magulang sa kanyang mga anak. So as I reflect on this story from over 2,000 years ago, napaisip ako kung meron bang mga similar stories sa panahon natin ngayon na very much like in the spirit of Jesus’ sabbath healing: breaking the “rules” to restore life. Isa sa mga stories na nahanap ko is about Dr. Paul Brand, na isang missionary doctor na kilala sa kanyang ground breaking work para sa mga leprosy patients in india. Alam naman natin yung stigma about sa sakit na leprosy or ketong and it goes back to the biblical times, so in the mid 20th century, ganun parin yung dinaranas na malalang stigma ng mga leprosy patients in many parts of india, kung saan ang mga may sakit nito ay tinuturing na “untouchables” and often left to die in Isolation, and of course maraming medical professionals such us doctors would refuse to care for them. Hindi rin iba sa ating mga pilipino ang kwento tungkol sa pag iisolate sa mga may sakit na ketong, we had an entire island dedicated for them. remember Culion island in palawan na ginawang leprosarium nung panahon ng american colonial regime nung commonwealth era, although na sugpo na ang leprosy sa isla noon pang 1980’s, the island was only declared a leprosy free area by the WHO noon lamang 2006. despite social taboos and institutional resistance, Dr. Brand developed surgical techniques to restore the use of patients’ hands and feet, proving that much of leprosy’s damage was due to nerve loss and hindi yung disease itself. he woud work on “Sundays” and Holidays when necessary, emphasizing that compassionate care transcends human regulations. Just like our version of doctors and teachers to the barrio, na piniling iwan ang kanilang mga komportableng buhay para maglingkod sa kapwa. The story of Dr. Paul Brand was told in the book “ The Gift of Pain” (co-authored with Philip Yancey), which blends medical insight with deep spiritual reflection. Si Philip Yancey naman ay isang American Author who writes primarily about spiritual issues na relate din sa mga experiences nya growing up sa isang strict na fundamentalist church, at iniistruggle ko pa yan si Phillip Yancey at marami pa syang mga books na pinag ninilayan ko pa at need basahin if kering gawing reference. So last week nga noh, we commemorate the lives lost through AIDS sa International Candlelight Memorial, ang HIV/AIDS na ata ang maituturing na modern day leprosy, or at least nung panahon ng AIDS crisis at talagang grabe ang stigma about sa sakit na ito. At isa sa mga prominent figures na somehow nakapagpabago sa pag tingin ng mga tao sa sakit na ito ay si Princess Diana. nakasulat sa isang article mula sa UPI or United Press International Archives, eto ang kwento “In April 1987, Princess Diana opened the UK’s first dedicated HIV/AIDS ward at London’s Middlesex Hospital. During this visit, she made headlines by shaking hands with AIDS patients without wearing gloves—a powerful gesture at a time when fear and misinformation about HIV transmission were rampant. This act challenged the prevailing stigma and demonstrated that HIV could not be spread through casual contact. Diana’s compassion played a significant role in changing public perceptions about the disease.” So yung pag visit nya hindi lang ito symbolic noh, or mema lang na parang yung mga pulitiko na dadalaw sa hospital kakamayan yung mga patients, tas picture then exit na, alcohol, change outfit, ganun. Princess Diana spent time talking to the patients, listening to their stories and showing genuine care, treating them as her fellow human being simple lang naman sanang gawin pero tila napakahirap para sa ibang tao, nang mga panahong ito. Diana used her global fame to bring attention to the AIDS crisis and humanize those affected by it. Isa pang prominent figure, sa hanay naman ng pananampalataya ay si Pope Francis, personally, talagang kakaiba yung epekto ni Pope Francis saakin, dahil talagang binago nya yung pagtingin ko sa pagiging isang lider ng simbahan. Pope Francis is renowned sa kanyang profound gestures of humility and service, particularly yung practice of washing and kissing the feet of individuals mula sa diverse backgrounds. So apparently, this tradition ay rooted in the Christian rite of foot-washing on Maundy Thursday, symbolizes Christ’s act of humility and service to his disciples. So after nyang ma elect noong 2013. Pope Francis began performing this ritual in unconventional settings, gaya ng sa prison, mga participants from various faiths and walks of life, at isa sa mga recent gestures nito is last year lang, when he washed and kissed the feet of 12 female inmates at Rome’s Rebibbia prison, emphasizing inclusivity and compassion. Isa pang particularly poignant moment happened on April 11, 2019 during a spiritual retreat at the Vatican para sa mga leaders of South Sudan, In an unprecedented act, Pope Francis knelt and kissed the feet of President Salva Kiir and opposition leaders, including Riek Machar and Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, imploring them to maintain peace in their war-torn nation . This gesture was a powerful appeal for reconciliation and unity, reflecting the Pope’s deep commitment to peace and humility. Sa mga ganitong gestures, Pope Francis has consistently demonstrated a commitment to breaking traditional boundaries, promoting inclusivity, and embodying the principles of humility and service that is the very center of his faith. The stories of Dr. Paul Brand, Princess Diana and Pope Francis are like the story in our text. Where someone helps or heals another person despite cultural, legal or religious restrictions, after all, love is the fulfilment of the law, tama, mali? So habang pinagninilayan ko ang text na ito at kung anong magandang title, na alala ko yung isang chapter sa book ni Ryan Holiday na “Ego is the Enemy, entitled “To be or To Do” na sobrang life chaging din para saakin, kasi before joke time lang sakin yang punch line na to be or to do, tobedobedoo. Pero mas malalim at personal yung atake nya for me, this chapter explores the internal conflict between pursuing recognition or yung (to be) versus pursuing purpose and impact (to do). Simply put, it’s asking us “Do you want to be someone – or do something? To be someone means chasing titles, prestige, and status na often driven by ego. Or you want to do something and focus on meaningful work, contriuting value and making a real impact – often quetly without fanfare. Ang cheka ni Holiday dito is that Ego pushes us to be or to seek approval, rewards, and validation, which can distract us from or true goals. those who choose to do priorities substance over image and are more likely to create lasting change. Sa ating buhay, we must decide whether our actions are guided by the desire to look important or the desire to do important things, the path to humility and purpose is ultimately more fulfilling and impactful. Sa totoo lang mas madaling chumeka nalang about the things we want than to actually work on it, para sumakses. As I close on this preaching, naisip ko lang na as human beings we can only do so much, pero bilang mga followers ni Jesus, we are reminded to focus on the “work itself” sa pag kilos, sa pag gampan, sa pag tulong sa kapwa. Kaya walang silbi yung pagkuda kuda at pag pepreach na yan kung hindi naman nakikita or wala namang pag kilos, walang pagbabago. Let us continue to strive to be a follower of Jesus, na hindi lamang sa ating isip, hindi lamang din sa ating mga salita, kundi pati narin sa gawa. The post To Be Or To Do appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

1
Mission: Love One Another 20:41

vor 13 Tagen20:41

20:41

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:31-35 NRSVUE Everybody say Love!!!! Isang mapagpalayang hapon sa ating lahat, muli po ako si Sean, been with Open Table MCC since 2015, isa sa mga Hermana, at Deacon, also the lead of Pride Cares na charity arm ng ating church, pero mas kinikilig ako sa title na “Mother Sean, at ako ang makakasama nyo for 4 Sundays, and ang tema ng ating easter preaching series is still “The gift of Surprises: The Joy of the unexpected, parang yung pagkaka hanap ko sa MCC, Some of you may already know the story, I was active sa HIV/AIDS Awareness Advocacy, and umattend ng LGBT Advocates training na facilitated by then MCCQC, na di rin naman natuloy, at first, the surprise was meeting the people from the church at that time, naisip ko, ay grabe, napaka profound ng mga tao, and one of them is Pastora Kakay. What’s more surprising was me still being here for almost 10 years now despite all the things that our DIY church have went through na surprisingly na-witness at naranasan ko rin. So yung text natin for this Sunday ay mula sa Gospel of John, bilang isang Christian, probably the very first bible verse that you would memorize is yung John 3:16, kaya hindi na natin yan i rerecite today, kaya yung gospel of John din yung tinatawag na the Gospel of Love, bilang bunso sa 4 na gospel, very unique din sya compared dun sa 3 Synoptic Gospels, very poetic, at very powerful din hindi lang sa mga bold statements ni Jesus dito pati na rin yung mga signs, and of course ang favourite nating litanya na Very truly, I tell you! Sa Gospel of John mahilig chumika si Jesus – “Very truly I tell you.” Anong equivalent nyan sa ating ngayon, yang Very truly I tell you? So kung babalikan natin ang ating reading natin today, yung cheka ni Jesus dito is maihahambing sa isang magulang sa kanyang death bed, na naghahabilin sa kanyang mga anak na maiiwan, Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Kung napanuod nyo na yung series na “When life gives you tangerines”( spoiler alert sa mga hindi pa nakakapanood. Sorry na lang kasama talaga sya sa preaching.) I remember the scene nung mamamatay na yung nanay ni Ae-Soon, at nag hahabilin ito sa kanya, and hindi lang naman dun sa series, applicable din talaga ito in real life, madalas ang bilin ng mga magulang bago sila ma lagutan ng hininga ay “magmahalan kayong magkakapatid” or pag ikaw ang panganay, usually, they will say “ wag mong pababayaan ang mga kapatid mo, magmahalan kayo”. Pero actually, I just realized na kakaiba yung bilin ng nanay ni Ae Sun, watch nyo nalang kung bakit kakaiba, at meron ding magandang element of Surprise dun sa first episode ng series, so konting context, yung main character na si Ae-soon, ay nakatira sa family ng tatay nya na deceased na, kasi yung mom nya, may bago nang asawa at meron na ding mga anak, yung mom nya ay isang “Haenyo” sila yung mga women free divers from Jeju Island in South Korea, The haenyeo culture is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, highlighting the unique traditions and skills of these female divers. kung ma aalala nyo, ayaw syang pauwiin nung nanay nya sa kanila, kasi nga yung family ng tatay nya yung may kakayahan na pag aralin sya, pero araw araw syang nag aabang sa nanay nya sa diving spot, until mabasa nung nanay nya yung Tula nya na naging 2nd Place. na antig yung puso ng nanay nya, kaya ayun, binawi na sya nito. Eto yung laman nung poem: Damn abalones by Oh Ae Un All day, every day, Abalones, Abalones when the typhoons blow, abalones, abalones worth more than a daughter those damn abalones “Hurry back” I tell her when she dives in the sea What could down there so cold and so deep be, is she looking for clams burried under the sand? Did she run out of breath, will she come back to land? Why does a daughter ehat here on the shore? Because damn abalones That’s what it’s all for If abalones cost a hundred won to find I’d pay it all back for a day of mom’s time My mom with her sore back My mom with her bad cough A hundred won per day, if it means mom can rest. Bongga diba….watch nyo na, don’t worry hanggang first episode lang muna tayo. Balikan natin yung habilin ni Jesus, and yung habilin ni Jesus dito very specific noh, at may disclaimer sa dulo “ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Palagi ko na din tong dialogue na kung sinabi mo na Christian ka and you Stan Jesus, then you should follow his commandment. Kung idol mo sya, then makipamuhay ka dun sa mga taong pinili nyang makasama. Dito sa church, madali nating makikilala na si Keppy ay isang Little Monster, at BeyHive, Si Mars Lawrence ay isang “Lambs” at Regine Velasquez superfan. Talagang ma fefeel mo, kasi si Keppy, updated sya Gagachela week 1 and 2, sa Dance Steps ng Abracadabra at iba pang songs from Mayhem, tama mali? at si Mars Lawrence naman ay talagang well known, at na try na rin mag Marih Carey in Drag,lahat ata ng concerts ni Song Bird recently ay napuntahan nya. So kung si Jesus ay isang Pop Icon, malamang ang title ng number one album nya ay “ Mission: Love One Another” at ilan sa mga kanta nyang pasok sa billboard charts ay may temang love for humanity, at social justice, Mga songs nya be like “ Glow Up from Galilee”, Messiah Energy, Clothe me in Kindness, Stranger no More, When I was hungry, you found me at “The least of these (Is me). Kayo? Ano sa tingin nyo ang magandang title ng song ni Jesus? ikaw? Rev. Joseph, kung ikaw ang tatanungin, anung magandang title? So what am I really trying to say here, hindi ba’t as an avid fan, we get inspired by the song of our idols? Like for me, sobrang powerful ng message ng “One Moment in Time” ni Whitney Houston, I feel like if there is a song bout my life, yun yun, kaya as christians, we get inspired by the life lived by the historical Jesus, na kung susumahin natin ay makikita natin sa Matthew 25:35-40. na again, uulitin ko lang, na ang message ay makipamuhay tayo sa mga uri ng tao na pinili ni Jesus na samahan. So pag nagsama sama na ang lahat ng fans ni Jesus, syempre ang tawag na dun ay fans club at madami nang fans club si Jesus, isa lang dyan ang Open Table MCC, hindi man tayo perfect, we try to maintain a safe space, proclaim God’s radically inclusive love for all people through Jesus Christ, and participate in the wider works of Justice and Peace in the World. Pero syempre, hindi naman mawawala ang mga bashers, paano kaya tayo nakikilala ng mga tao outside of our community? ng ibang groups? Ay, sila yung burgis na simbahan, na naka aircon, sa Greenhills, ay mga maldita yung members nyan, ay kulto yan, eto isang example, na talagang naka comment dun sa FB page natin, “ An apostate church” so ginoogle ko agad ang meaning ng apostate na yan, pero syempre, kebs ako jan, hindi ko yan papatulan because I know my community, kung merong search for number one advocate ng church na to, I can say na isa ako sa mga contender, I am a living example, at least I hope to be that way, most of the time if not always. Isa akong buhay na patunay and an answer to the question kung bakit kailangan pang magpatuloy ang simbahang ito.Isa sa mga cheka ko sa mga previous kong sermon is to take up space, bilang isang queer christian, to tell the world that we exist, when I decided to be a part of the community, it wasn’t that hard for me to understand the concept, the equation na LO+ LO = LG, to love others as we love ourselves is to love God. Pag-ibig sa kapwa tulad ng pag-ibig sa sarili ang manifestation ng ating pag-ibig sa Diyos. Hindi mo pwedeng mahalin ang Diyos kung hindi mo mahal ang iyong kapwa tulad sa sarili. At dito nanggagagaling yung fire, at ang drive na magpatuloy, but at the same time, dito din nanggagaling ang frustrations. At this point, mayrong 2.4 billion christians sa buong mundo, ang estimated population naman ng mundo is around 8 billion as of 2023. dito lang sa pilipinas, mayroong at least 90 recognized religious affiliations, pare parehong mga christians, nag aaway-away pa, nakakalungkot lang isipin na most christians, maganda naman ang intention, at talagang mabubuti ang puso at may malasakit sa kapwa, pero nalilihis at tila naliligaw ng landas, dahil sa mga lider ng kanilang simbahan, I hope and pray that christians today go back to basic, napaka simple lang ng formula, pero andaming efforts ang nasasayang, nakakalungkot lang na minsan, yung mga beliefs at paniniwala natin ang sya pang naglalayo, imbis na mag lapit sa atin sa Panginoon at sa isa’t isa. Sabi nga ng ating Founder na si Lolo Troy, let’s keep the main thing, the main thing, and the main thing is Jesus, the main thing is love. While I am writing this preaching, I had a Holy Spirit activate moment, na parang sinasabi nya, baks, kaysa ma stress ka jan sa frustration mo, bakit hindi mo yan idagdag sa mga advocacies mo, struggle through it, diba nga? Bakahin mo, kasama ang mga kapatid mo sa simbahan, And so I take on the challenge, and make it my mission to remind others of how simple it is, sobrang simple lang ng ask, to love one another, kaya din siguro mahirap dahil sa ating buhay, may iba’t ibang manifestations ang love, minsan love is present but we don’t appreciate it, maybe because iba ito sa inaasahan natin. We Pinoys and Asians in general ay hindi mahilig magsabi ng “I love you” sa ating mga kapamilya at mahal sa buhay, kaya ang love minsan ay disguised as “ Nak, kumain ka na ba? anung gusto mong ulam?” Nak, anong oras ka uuwi? “Nak, ilabas mo na yang mga labahin mo” pwede ring “Ma, bawal sayo yan, hinay hinay lang sa lechon, Ma ang maintenance mo, nainom mo na ba? Pa, ako na bahala sa bill ng Internet at Kuryente this Month, Ma, Pa, eto pandagdag sa tuition ni bunso. Yan yung mga simpleng manifestations ng love. Love din yung kahit na laging binabash eh Rally parin ng rally ang mga aktibista, kahit na minsan, kinukutya by the same people na pinaglalaban nila, Love din yung desisyon ng ating mga farmers na patuloy na magtanim ng sibuyas, magsaka ng palay, kahit minsan, hindi sigurado kung mababawi ba nila lahat ng ginastos nila or may kikitain man lang ba sila. Love din yung pagboto ng tama tuwing eleksyon, para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak, so pag bumoto ka nung may redflag na nga, part ng political dynasty, may kaso ng pandarambong at pagnanakaw, ayan, malinaw na malinaw, hindi love yan. Isa pa sa mga manifestations of love is ang pakikisangkot natin kahit paminsan minsan lang, today, May 18, 2025, we also commemorate The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, which is a time for all of us to remember the many lives lost to AIDS. It is an opportunity to honour those who dedicated their lives to helping people living with and affected by HIV and continue to mobilise our communities in solidarity. Patuloy nawa tayong makisangkot upang labanan ang stigma about HIV/AIDS, at nagpalaganap ng awareness at kaalaman tungkol sa sakit na ito, dahit hindi ito isang death sentence. The mission is to love one another, present perfect tense yan, gaya ng habilin ng isang magulang sa kanyang mga anak na maiiwan, Christ’s commandment is to love, and how does that look like today? sa kapwa natin Christian, you can show your love by opening up your hearts and minds to the issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, even if you don’t understand, after all, just like all of you, we are created in God’s image and likeness, and more than that, we are also human beings who are fighting for the same rights. Para sa atin namang mga queer christians, let’s continue to take up space and live our truths, Ituloy ang kabaklaang yan, Go lang mga accla, ipakita sa lahat na we are queer, christian and fabulous. Let’s appreciate our allies and hope that someday we continue to gain more allies, let’s not give up on the conservatives, medyo mahirap itong sabihin, pero I hope and pray that they realize that we are not the enemy. And by this everyone will know that we are his disciples. The post Mission: Love One Another appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

1
The Joy of Life and Living 22:14

vor 20 Tagen22:14

22:14

At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:22-30 NRSVUE Magandang hapon! Three weeks after the Resurrection of the Lord, the Church today in the fourth week of Easter celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday, Jesus the Good Shepherd. Noong nakaraang Linggo, nabanggit natin ang hamon ni Hesus kay Pedro patungkol sa kawan ni Hesus. Kanina, binasa natin ang tugon ni Hesus sa mga Hudyo sa kanilang katanungan sa kaniyang katauhan. “ Wag mo nang patagalin pa. Sagutin mo kami ngayon, ikaw ba ang Christ (Mesias)?” Sabi ni Hesus: “Di ba sinabi ko na sa inyo? Pero ayaw nyong maniwala. Yung mga bagay na pinapagawa sa akin ng Tatay ko ang nagsasabi kung sino ako. Pero di kayo naniniwala sa akin kasi hindi ko kayo tupa. John 10: 25-26, Pinoy Version Balikan natin ano nga ba ang ideya ni Hesus sa pagiging pastol gayundin ang pagkalinga niya sa kaniyang kawan. Sa talata isa hanggang labing-walo ng Ebanghelyo ni Juan, makikita natin kung paano ipakilala ni Hesus ang sarili niya sa pamamagitan ng mga tayutay o metaphors. Ang mga larawan na ipininta ni Hesus dito ay malinaw na hango mula sa isang agrikultural na komunidad sa Palestina. Ang kawan ay nasa bukid o lupain, protektado ng mababang bakod na gawa sa bato (sheepfold). Sa gabi, ang mga pastol ay nasa mga tolda. Pagdating ng umaga, ilalabas nila ang kawan sa damuhan at sa batisan. Ang Pintuang Daraanan: Dalawang beses niyang sinabing siya ang “pintuang dinaraanan ng mga tupa (vv 7, 9).” Kung naaalala natin noong mga nakaraang linggo, malakas ang emphasis sa ideya na si Hesus and daan. He is the way. Walang ibang daan maliban sa kaniya. Ang ideya na ito ay narereflect sa kanya bilang pintuang daraanan ng mga tupa. Ang mga pastol ng mga tupa ay dumaraan sa kaniya. Ang mga Pariseo, o sinumang nagnanais na manguna sa mga tupa, na hindi dumaraan sa pinto na si Hesus ay mga tulisan–mga tulisan na ang tanging nais ay “magnakaw, pumatay, at manira” (10:10a). So, kung hindi ayon sa daan na itinuturo ni Hesus, kung hindi lumalakad sa kaniyang ang mga humahatak sa mga tupa, mga tao, malamang tulisan ang mga ito. Maging mapanuri, maging mapagmatyag. Gamitin ang isipan sa pagtatasa sa mga tao at lider ng lipunan. Ang Mabuting Pastol: Bukod dito, dalawang beses ring sinabi ni Hesus na siya ang mabuting pastol (vv 11, 14). “Iniaalay ng mabuting pastol ang kanyang buhay para sa mga tupa (MBBTag).” Dalawang beses nya ring sinabi ito, ibig sabihin, binibigyang diin. Hindi ganito ang mga upahan, ayon sa kaniya. Iiwan nila ang mga tupa sa oras ng sakuna at panganib. Kilala rin ng pastol ang kaniyang mga tupa, ang kaniyang kawan. Ginamit nya rin ang pagkakakilala nila ng kaniyang ama sa pagkakakilala niya sa mga tupa. Kilala ng aking mga tupa ang boses ko, kilala ko sila, at sumusunod sila sa akin. Binibigyan ko sila ng buhay na walang hanggan at never silang mamamatay. Walang makakaagaw ng mga ito sa akin.” John 10: 27-28, Pinoy Version This intimate knowledge of his flock, which involves love, is his reason for laying down his life for them. Ito ang nagpapaiba sa kaniya sa mga nagkukunwaring mga pastol. Ang tanong: ang mga nagsasabing mga pastol ba ang handing ialay ang kanilang mga buhay para sa mga tao? Hindi ba nila iiwan ang mga ito sa oras ng panganib, sakuna? Alam ba ng mga di umanong pastol ang ngalan at pangangailangan ng mga tao? O kunukuhaan lamang ng ganansya para sa kanilang sariling kapakanan. Ang Pangakong Buhay Para sa mga Tupa: Bilang pintuang daraanan ng mga tupa para makapasok at mabigyan ng proteksyon, gayundin upang lumabas para sa probisyon sa batisan at damuhan. Bilang mabuting pastol, prayoridad niya ang pagkalinga at pagpapanatili ng buhay ng Kawan. Handa Nyang ibigay ang sarili para sa iba. Kung gayon, ang pintuan ang daan para sa buhay; ang pastol ang tagapanatili nito. Buhay ang isa sa pangunahing tema ng ebanghelyo ni Juan. Matatandaan na sa aklat ng Juan, paulit-ulit na sinasabi ni Hesus na sa kanya nagmumula ang buhay. Sa kabanata 1, siya ang logos, ang Salita na kasama sa paglikha. Gumamit din siya ng iba pang tayutay upang ipaliwanag ito. Siya ang tubig ng buhay, tinapay ng buhay, at pintuan/daan ng buhay. Dalawampu’t apat sa animnapung beses na binanggit ang zoe, life, sa Christian Testament ay mula sa Ebanghelyo ni Juan. Flourishing, Eudaemonia, Shalom, Ginhawa: Sa John 10:10, sinabi ni Hesus na, di tulad ng mga tulisan na nais “magnakaw, pumatay, at manira” (10:10a), naparito sya upang ang mga tupa ay magkaroon ng buhay, buhay na masaganang lubos. I came that you may have life and have it to the full. Isang buo at mabungang buhay, iyang ang nais para sa ating lahat. This is what Jesus wanted us to have. The theme of the flourishing of us, humans, is central in philosophies around the world. The Greeks have the term eudaemonia (good demon). Sa kanyang tanyag na akdang “The Republic,’ ipinagtatanggol ni Plato na ang pangunahing layunin ng buhay ng tao ay makamit ang eudaemonia , isang kalagayan ng kaligayahan at kasiyahan na tanging makakamtan lamang sa pamumuhay nang may kabutihang-asal. Kanyang itinataguyod ang four cardinal virtues —wisdom (karunungan), courage (tapang), justice (katarungan), and temperance (pagpipigil sa sarili)—na ayon sa kanya ay mahalaga upang makamit ang eudaemonia . Naniniwala si Plato na ang mga virtues na ito ay magkakaugnay at hindi maaaring umiral ang isa kung wala ang iba. Dagdag pa rito, ipinapahayag niya na ang mga kaugaliang ito ay hindi likas sa tao kundi maaaring matutunan at malinang sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon at pagsasanay. Mahalaga ang pag-aaral at ang sining para sa kaniya. Ang musika, sayaw, pagguhit, paglilok, pagawit, pagsusulat, panitikan, at iba pa ay ang nagpapa-refine, o naglilinang sa mga tao. Ngunit, sino nga lang ba ang nakakakamit o nagkakaroon ng pribilehiyo para magkaroon ng edukasyon, lalo na sining, noong panahon nila? Tanging mayayaman at mga maharlikha lamang. So, tayong mga aba, mga dukha, ay walang shot sa isang buhay na buo, sa ganitong pilosopiya. Kulang ang pagkatao natin dahil di natin afford ang edukasyon sa academy, sa gumnaze/gymnasiums. On our previous preachings we also discussed about shalom. Shalom, in the Jewish mind, is being complete, wholeness. Hindi lamang ito kapayapaan sa gitna ng kaguluhan. Shalom is not only something an individual can have. It is an experience for the whole community–a promise of restoration, wholeness, fullness. It is communal. Kaya nga Kawan, flock, lahat. Shalom is the welfare and health of peoples, and nations. I believe this is at the back of the mind of Jesus when he declared what he wanted for his flock: a life lived to the fullest. Tayong mga Pinoy, madalas naririnig natin ang mga matatanda na “Giginhawa rin tayo.” “Ang gusto ko lang naman ay guminhawa.” Kung uugatin natin, ang ginhawa ang ultimate goal, ang layunin ng mga social at economic functions ng iba’t ibang uri ng tao sa barangay. Layunin ng datu na mapamunuan ang komunidad para sa ginhawa ng mga tao. Ang mga bayani o mandirigma ay nagbibigay ng proteksyon para sa ginhawa. Ang mga babaylan ay ipinapanatag ang kanilang katawan, espiritu, at kaisipan-mga elemento ng ginhawa. Kahit nga ang mga panday ang lumilikha para sa kaginhawaan ng mga tao. Kapag narinig din natin ang “giginhawa rin tayo,” makikita rin natin ang dalawang bagay. Una, na ang ginhawa ay pag-asa para sa mas maayos na kinabukasan. Pangalawa, ang kasalukuyan ay hindi ideal. Walang ginhawa. Sa realidad ng buhay natin ngayon, alam natin na walang kaginhawaang nararanasan ang mga tao at nananatiling pangarap at panalangin ang ginhawa. Madalas, ang dahilan ng kawalan ng kaginhawaan ay ang mga kawatan na nagkukunwaring mga pastol. Serbisyong panlipunan daw ngunit nagkakamal ng lupaing sakahan, nagpapamahal ng tubig na inumin, walang ginagawang maayos sa daan. Imbes na ayusin ang agrikultura upang mas maraming maisakong bigas at ani, nagkakamal ng kayamanan mula sa kaban ng bayan. Para raw mas gumanda ang serbisyo ng tubig, kuryente, gas, at maging mga pagamutan, ipagkatiwala sa pribadong sektor. Ayun, wala tayong laban sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing serbisyo. Ikagugutom na natin na walang natitira sa atin sa pamasahe at bilihin. Ikinamamatay na natin ang init ng panahon, ang pagtitiis sa sakit dahil walang silbi rin naman ang mga dinededuct satin buwan-buwan kung tayo ay maratay sa banig ng karandaman. Binabansot ang paglago ng isipan natin sa pagshoshortcut sa edukasyon at sa pangungurakot sa mga pondong dapat sana ay para sa libro, pasweldo sa guro, at classroom. Ubusin ba naman in eleven days ang 125 million. Nagtitiis tayo sa drama ng kadiliman, kasamaan, at kaitiman. Wala tayong pinunong masusumpungan. Wala tayong pastol na magbibigay ng sariling buhay niya para sa kawan. Naiiwan tayong nagiisa. Paglalagom: Timing na timing ang Good Shepherd Sunday sa panahon natin ngayon. Para bang pinapaalalahanan tayo ng simbahan, ng sangkalangitan, sa mga tungkulin natin sa kawan. Ang lahat ng readings sa lectionary ngayong araw na ito ay patungkol sa pagkakaroon ng buhay at ang pagiging mabuting pastol. Sa aklat ng mga Gawa, ipinakita kung paanong ang mananampalatayang si Dorcas o Tabitha, na nagbibigay buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa kapwa, ay binuhay na maguli sa pamamagitan ng himala. Iniawait sating muli ang salmo 23 at pinaalalahanan tayo na ang Diyos ang mabuting pastol na nagbibigay buhay, at kasama natin hanggang sad ulo nito. Sa Revelations 7:17, sinabi na “the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Dumadaloy ang buhay, ang shalom, ang kaginhawaan sa pamamagitan ng mabuting pastol. Nagkaroon na ng bagong santo papa ang mga kapatid nating Katoliko. Nitong mga nakaraang araw, pinagmumunian ko ang buhay ni Pope Francis. Binalikan ko rin ang ilang mga sinulat niya, particularly, yung Evangelii Gaudium , the Joy of the Gospel. Iba kasi ito dun sa aggressive evangelism na kinagisnan ko. Sabi niya. “To evangelize is to make the kingdom of God present in our world (176)” tapos nun nagfocus siya sa social dimension ng evangelization: pagbasa sa social situation, pagharap sa mga social questions, pagbibigay ng halaga at focus sa mga mahihirap sa lipunan. “Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basis of our concern for the integral development of society’s most neglected members (186).” Isa sa pundasyon na tinayuan niya ang John 10:10. Sabi niya, “The proclamation of the gospel will be a basis for restoring the dignity of human life… for Jesus desires to pour out an abundance of life upon our cities. The unified and complete sense of human life that the Gospel proposes is the best remedy for the ills of our cities… (75).” Ang pagtaguri kay Francis bilang shepherd of the unwanted ang, sa tingin ko, ay pinakamataas na taguring ibinigay sa kaniya. Ito rin kasi ang turing kay Hesus. Hindi naman glamorosang trabaho ang pagpapastol. Isa ito sa mga pinakamababang uri ng larangan noong panahon nila. It is not glorious. “Laying down one’s life” may sound virtuous, but it is awfully painful. Being a shepherd is unglamorous, and thankless leadership. “Involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives, bridges distances, willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others, evangelizers thus take on the ‘smell of the sheep’ and the sheep are willing to hear their voice (24).” Be shepherd that smells like sheep, Pope Francis encourages the faithful. Each of us faces the challenge of guiding and caring for others in different roles—whether we are leading and supporting our families, mothering our nakshies, supporting attendees and members of Open Table, or looking after neighbors, coworkers, or members of the broader community. It can be in the form of bringing coffee or meal prepping food for our loved ones who are tired and sleepy even if we are sleepless and overworked ourselves. It is volunteering for HIV awareness organizations knowing how fearful it can be to be positive. It is volunteering in Pride Cares because we know how tough it can be for our queer siblings during calamities and disasters. Smelling like sheep is smelling like shit yet we press on because we want to give people the best life they can possibly have. Ngayong Good Shepherd Sunday, ipanalangin din natin ang mga lider ng simbahan. Si Pope Leo XIV na nawa ay piliin ang landas ng mabuting pastol, piliin niya ang landas, hindi ng mga hinirang, kundi ng mga hinaharang sa buhay na may kaginhawaan. Ang nalalapit nating pagpili ng mangunguna sa Metropolitan Community Church sa nalalapit na General Conference. Ipanalangin din natin ang mga lider ng ating DIY church na kasihan nawa sila ng Diwang Banal sa lahat ng mga desisyon, panawagan, at plano sa ating simbahan. Tomorrow is election day. May we recognize shepherds who lives with “the smell of the sheep.” May we choose the life-givers, community-builders, and peacemakers. Piliin natin ang magbibigay sa ating bayan ng ginhawa at kaganapan. The post The Joy of Life and Living appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

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Of Catching Fish and Feeding Sheep 22:54

vor 27 Tagen22:54

22:54

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:1-19 NRSVUE Happy Sunday! Today’s the third Sunday of Easter. Tayo ay nasa ating serye pa rin ng pag-aaral sa panahon ng Pagkabuhay, “The Gift of Surprise: The Joy of the Unexpected.” Noong nakaraang linggo, pinagusapan natin ang ikalawa at ikatlong sa apat na appearance stories sa Ebanghelyo ni Juan–ang pagpapakita ni Hesus sa mga disipulo, gayundin ang encounter ni Thomas sa resurrected Jesus. Ngayon, tungkol naman sa ika-apat na appearance stories. Siguro mas mainam na tawagin nating recognition stories ito dahil ito ang mga pagkakataon na nakikila nila si Hesus. They started to recognize the resurrected Jesus, the divine. This is the “second ending” of the Gospel. It was an addition from the first part of John. Scholars think that this is written by another writer because the language, style, and the vocabulary is different. It is believed that this represents the Galilean tradition independent of the tradition of the Jerusalem appearances. Remember that basically Matthew and Mark had stories representing a tradition of Galilean appearances while Luke and Jn 20 narrate only Jerusalem appearances. When I say appearances – sa Matthew and Mark, sa Galilee lamang nagpakita ang Risen Christ and sa Luke and John 20, sa Jeruslem lamang. Sa Gospel of John, yung first three sa appearance/recognition stories ay nangyari sa Jerusalem; the one we read is set in Galilee, on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias (another name for the Sea of Galilee). Of Catching Fish and Fishing People: Seven of the disciples are present, having labored through the night in vain, casting their nets without a single catch. At dawn, a figure appears on the shore—unrecognized by them—calling out and urging them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. They obey, and the net is suddenly teeming with fish, too many for them to haul aboard. That small shift is profound. From nothing to abundance. In that moment, the disciple whom Jesus loved declares, “It is the Lord.” Moved by recognition and devotion, Peter (being the dramatic) plunges into the sea to reach Jesus ahead of the others. This scene also calls forth several past instances from the life of the disciples with Jesus. Ang eksenang ito ay nagpapaalala sa atin sa ilang mga naunang eksena at karanasan ng mga disipulo nung nagsisimula pa lamang si Hesus. In John chapter 1, one disciple of John by the name of Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was so intrigued that Jesus invited him and another disciple, “Come and see.” Andrew found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus thus begins their journey with their teacher. In Matthew 4:18-22, this story was set in the Sea of Galilee, the same place where our story in John today was set. Andrew and Simon Peter were fishermen. The story in Matthew continued with Jesus saying to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” The brothers immediately left their nets and followed him. It is like the call of the sons of Zebedee, James and his brother John. They were mending their nets when he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. This scene of catching fish in the last chapter was a return to their beginnings. They were being reminded of many things. First to go back to how the Jesus movement began. That they were a small group of people who were in the peripheries of society: fisherfolks, peasants, tax collector, rebels. Theirs is a dream to experience shalom, to be free from the shackles of the empire, for their pleas and hopes to be seen, heard, acted upon, and realized. Second, they were brought back to remember to press on and continue what Jesus started. It was interesting that after the death of Jesus, they went back to fishing. For years, they followed their itinerant teacher and the Messiah they said that they found, the one who told them “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” They are to fish people. We grew up in a tradition that this is the call to mission of the disciples. What Jesus did in the text we read is to remind them not to be distracted by fear, to not divert their energies from things that matter. Of Sheep Feeding and the Threefold Question: Upon their arrival at the shore, they find a meal prepared— bread and fish laid out by Jesus himself. After they have eaten, Jesus turns to Peter and begins a solemn exchange. Three times he asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” And three times Peter affirms his love. To each affirmation, Jesus gives a charge: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” Weeks ago, Jesus predicted that Jesus would deny him. Again, dramatic Peter exclaimed that it cannot be. Sya? Itatatuwa si Hesus? And true enough, on the night that Jesus was arrested, thrice did Peter deny that he knew Jesus. The denials were closed by a rooster crowing. Sympathetic ako kay Peter. Gets ko na he felt hurt dahil paulit-ulit yung tanong ni Hesus na “Do you love me?” Kaya nga diba ang reply nya ay “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Siguro na-gets na rin ni Peter yung thrice na pagtanong ay baka equivalent sa thrice niyang pag-deny. Pero, I do not view this as a reminder of Peter’s failure. It is a moment of redemption. This is the grace of resurrection. We are offered not just forgiveness, but restoration. In John chapter 10, which we will further discuss next week, Jesus described himself as the good shepherd, we are his people, his sheep. Now, Jesus was telling Peter to feed and tend his sheep. The one who failed is now the one commissioned. He was reminded to continue caring and leading the flock. To seek the lost. To protect them. To lay his life for them, just as how the good shepherd, Jesus, would do. Follow Me. Then Jesus speaks in veiled terms, foretelling Peter’s fate—hinting that he too will suffer and die by crucifixion (at least that’s how that verse has been interpreted). Stories from oral tradition tell us that Peter felt unworthy to die like Jesus so pinabaliktad nya ang krus nya and he was crucified upside down – as tradition says – sa Vatican Hill. So, hmmmn… Extreme evangelicals, take note. As the dialogue closes, Jesus issues a final, profound summons: “Follow me.” Twice repeated, these are the last words he speaks in the Gospel of John—a call to discipleship unto death, to walk the path he himself has trod. Last week, in our preaching, we have mentioned that the first words of Jesus to the disciples in John’s gospel are, “What are you looking for?” (1:38). This is after two disciples of John followed him after the prophet exclaimed “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” We also discussed that in the middle of the gospel, when Thomas asked how they can know where Jesus was going, Jesus says, “I am the way” (14:6). And now, at the end, of the Gospel Jesus says, “Follow me” (twice, 21:19, 22). At the heart of John’s Gospel is the idea of “the way.” If we would recall, Jesus speaks directly about the need to be “born again” (John 3:1–10), and later, he uses the image of a seed that must fall into the ground and die to produce fruit (12:24). He even calls this the only way (14:6)—a verse that has sadly often been used to promote an exclusive and triumphalist view of Christianity. Sa evangelical theology, dinideal yung death and resurrection ni Jesus bilang parang legal settlement sa debt. Binayran ni Jesus ang kasalanan sa pamamagitan ng kamatayan; pero napagtagumpayan niya ito. Pero di lang iyon tungkol doon. Alam natin na sampal sa imperyo ang resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is more than that. Within the broader vision of John’s Gospel—rooted in the idea of God becoming flesh—the death and resurrection of Jesus show us the true nature of transformation. “Be born again,” “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit.” To say “Jesus is the only way” is not to shut others out, but to point to the pattern revealed in him: dying to the old self and rising to new life. This, above all, is the journey of personal transformation. To follow Jesus is to be transformed, to change our old ways and be more in line with the character of Jesus. Follow the teacher, his examples. Hindi ito madali. For Peter, it means leaving his impetuous ways to the point that he will even stretch his hands to lay down his life on a cross. To us, it is to die like a grain of wheat and be changed, reborn. And we are reminded of this sa last chapter of the Gospel of John, this 2 nd last chapter. We are reminded that instead of going back to what we were doing and who we are before meeting Jesus, we are reminded not to regress far back, but merely to go back and remember why we followed Jesus in the first place and how following him transformed us. How we were born again (as many times over) throughout the journey around Galilee, into Jerusalem, towards the cross and finally out of the tomb. Now, to us today, let us reflect. Where should we return to? Saan tayo babalik para alalahanin bakit tayo naririto ngayon? Where is our Sea of Galilee? Ano ba ang simulain natin bilang isang mananampalataya, bilang isang simbahan ng mga taong itinakwil sa mga pinanggalingang simbahan? Let us go back to our roots, our beginnings with Jesus; our beginning with Jesus in Open Table MCC. What has God called us to do? It can be something not grand, as simple as being a good neighbor, offering our homes to others, lending our shoulders, extending our hands to help. Selling Drag Bingo tickets to extend love and service sa darating na panahon ng tag-ulan. To love one another to prove that we are his followers. It can be as straightforward (though challenging) as our triple mission to maintaining a safe and welcoming Church community and space for everyone, to joyfully and prophetically proclaim the radically inclusive love of God for all people, and to participate in God’s greater and wider work of justice and peace. When “Christianity has contributed to racism, sexism, nationalism, exclusivism, and other harmful ideologies,” what does it mean to be a Christian today? Marcus Borg, in “ The heart of Christianity: rediscovering a life of faith ,” said Christianity is a way of life; that is its heart. To be Christian means living “the path” within this tradition. At the heart of Christianity is the way of the heart—a path that transforms us at the deepest level of our being. At the heart of Christianity is the heart of God—a passion for our transformation and the transformation of the world. At the heart of Christianity is participating in the passion of God. Minsan, we tend to forget our whys either when we are extremely comfortable or when we are extremely challenged, or when we feel things have become routine. But today we are reminded to go back to the day Jesus invited us to “Come and see.” We are called to remember to care for the people and the world as a sign and a way that we truly love God. We are challenged to take up our cross, die to ourselves, and simply follow Jesus, and, perhaps, in doing so, Jesus meets us every step of the way. The post Of Catching Fish and Feeding Sheep appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

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Believing in Doubt 23:01

vor 5 weeks23:01

23:01

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. John 20:1-18 NRSVUE Today’s the second Sunday of Easter. In the Catholic tradition, today is Divine Mercy Sunday. We are still on our series “The Gif of Surprise: The Joy of the Unexpected.” Last week, we have talked about the first of the Gospel of John’s four appearance stories–that of Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene at the tomb. Ngayon, ang chika natin ay sa ikalawa’t ikatlo. Bukod doon, ito rin ang unang ending ng Gospel of John. (Yep. Dalawa ang ending. Next week na natin pagusapan yung ikalawa at bakit may dalawang ending.) John’s second appearance story (20:19–23) happened on the evening of the same day Mary Magdalene saw Jesus in the tomb in Jerusalem. The Gospel writer described that “the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews.” In that locked room, Jesus appeared and said, “Peace be with you.” He then showed them the wounds in his pierced hands and side. With this, the disciples rejoiced as they recognized their Lord. For the second time, Jesus said “Peace be with you.” Being at peace in the midst of fear : In the Greco-Roman world, εἰρήνη, “eiréné,” was commonly understood as the absence of conflict and war. As a warring empire, with rebellions arising all over, peace is a concept highly appreciated. Kaya nga di ba valued ang unang emperor Augustus dahil siya ang nagbigay ng pax Romana, though they did it by silencing the wars and rebellions through massacres and public executions. “Peace” is beyond that. In the Jewish mind, it is often translated/understood as שָׁלוֹם (shalom) or Salam in Arabic. And Shalom is not just the absence of conflict or a time of peace. It means completeness, welfare, safety, being sound and whole. So, for the Jewish writers, peace, eiréné, shalom, is a divine gift. Aside from greetings, peace is commonly used in farewells in Jewish culture. It wishes health (welfare) to someone in Hebraic culture. Kaya nga sa John 14:27, sinabi ni Jesus na “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Ito ang panahon na sinabi ni Hesus na “In a little while the world will no longer see me.” Nagpapaalam na sya. Kaya uncertain ang mga disipulo. Christ not merely wishes but gives peace. Sinabi nya rin dito na “I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” A few more chapters after, Jesus continued with his huling habilin. In 16: 33, he said “I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution but take courage: I have conquered the world!” This, then, makes the salutations of Christ after his resurrection (John 20:19, 21, 26) very apt. After the arrest and murder of their teacher, one cannot blame the disciples for hiding because of fear. The public display of the execution of those who went against the state, the empire, will surely cause one to tremble, even suppress their fervent hearts. Will they be targeted next? Who will be up on the cross next? So, when Jesus came greeting them peace, assuring them that it is indeed him, I imagine the atmosphere of the locked room changing in an instant. “Peace be with you.” Ang lakas ng impact nito. Imagine, nasira na ang ideya ng kapayapaan/peace para sa mga Hudyo dahil sa pax Romana. Here’s Jesus telling them that he’s giving them peace that they have never imagined, a peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace be with you. Jesus was wishing them safety, welfare. May you be whole, complete. Jesus also said to them, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” With the peace that I have given you, may you give it to others as I send you. He then “breathed on them,” giving them life and the Spirit. In the age that we live in, where the evil seems to triumph, wars and injustices all around. Where populist leaders push their personal agendas and dividing the people. Where farmers struggle for food. Where workers toil but to no avail because the lords of this world prevents them from having shalom – many leaders of this world are the ones preventing Shalom, preventing the completeness or fulness of life for the people – Kabuuan ng buhay ng mga tao. We continue to live in a world where women were being silenced and even denied of freedom over their bodies. A world where queer people live unsure, unsafe, unheard, uncomfortable, and always second guessing themselves. As we have discussed last week, we said that in the Gospel of John, Jesus still bears the marks the empire gave to him. When he showed the disciples his side and hands, “the Risen One comes to them and shows them His wounds. They were the signs of suffering and pain… yet with Jesus they become channels of mercy and forgiveness, of peace. In his last Easter preaching, Pope Francis appealed to the faithful “not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the ‘weapons’ of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!” In this world, in this time, we are reminded to take courage because God had conquered the world. God gives peace and not fear, unlike the tyrants of history. The wind, the spirit of God breathes life in the midst of death. Jesus brings peace, shalom, for everyone of us. Being at Peace in Unbelief : Thomas, one of the Twelve, was absent when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples. When they told him what had happened, he refused to believe them. He insisted, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe” (20:24–25). In the poem of Lawrence Lacambra Ypil, “Touch,” he said Thomas knew this of course, when he asked to touch the Lord, feel where the nails dug deep, where the spear’s tip bit. He knew that light, this sight of hair, mouth, eyes, would be the first to go, followed by the memory of His words till all that would be left would be the faint sensation of his finger on the lacerated resurrected flesh. His friends, thought him foolish for demanding such sacrilegious proof, and named him doubtful when he was, in truth, the only one who knew what believing meant and did not mean. This moment sets the stage for John’s third resurrection appearance (20:26–29). A week later, the disciples are again gathered behind closed doors when Jesus appears, saying once more, “Peace be with you.” He invites Thomas to touch his wounds, prompting Thomas to declare, “My Lord and my God!”—a profound expression of early Christian faith in the risen Christ. Throughout Christian history, Thomas has often been portrayed negatively, seen as a symbol of doubt and lack of faith. For many, growing up, being called a “doubting Thomas” was second only to being called a “Judas.” When Jesus said, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe,” this statement of Jesus need not be taken as a rebuke towards Thomas. Instead, this can be understood as an affirmation: those who believe without seeing are also blessed. The narrative itself does not condemn Thomas. He seeks a personal encounter with the risen Jesus rather than relying on others’ accounts—and his request is honored. Jesus appears to him. The belief in Jesus does not mean a “blind faith.” Thomas was not doubtful. Its not that he didn’t want to believe but perhaps he did not want any false or imagined hope. He wanted to test things out. He likes to ask questions. He wanted some answers but not shallow answers. It was not doubt (and there’s nothing wrong with doubting) but rather a faith that seeks the crucified Lord. Pananampalatayang nagpupursigeng hanapin ang Panginoon. The 14 th chapter of John, the same chapter where Jesus was telling the disciples that he will be at his Father’s house but that they have to be not afraid, it was Thomas who asked “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” With Thomas’ question, Jesus replied with one of his greatest statements in John. “I am the way and the truth and the life.” The first words of Jesus in John’s gospel are, “What are you looking for?” (1:38); in the heart of the gospel, Jesus says, “I am the way” (14:6). He speaks of this way as “the only way” (14:6) in a verse that has unfortunately often become a triumphalist claim justifying Christian exclusivism. But within John’s incarnational theology, the death and resurrection of Jesus incarnates the way of transformation. This is what it means to say, “Jesus is the only way.” The path we see in him—dying and rising—is the path of personal transformation and with personal transformation, the transformation of our communities, societies, and the world. Thomas was not doubting; he sought the one who previously said he is the Truth. He sought Truth beyond chismis. He wanted to have deeper reasons to believe. The Gospel writer/s of John even said that they have “written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (20:30–31). This passage, likely marking the original conclusion of the gospel, tied the story of Thomas to the purpose of the Gospel. For people to come to know Jesus. Again, in the poem “Touch,” There were wavelengths his eyes could never perceive, frequencies that would never reach his inner ear. And faith, he knew, did not lie in thinking one could understand what the eye and ear could not hear or see. The hands they knew what faith was– the held object holding you. Hold on to your questions. Keep asking. Seek answers. Seek God beyond easy and shallow answers. Seek Jesus beyond the answers and theologies you already received from your previous churches. I guess that is also the reason why we are here in Open Table. We were not satisfied with the answers we were already given by our former pastors and priests. We started to ask kung totoo ba ang tinuturo nila na masama ang LGBTQIA+. Ako bilang straight woman doing pastoral work, napuno na ang mga tanong ko at at umapaw na ang mga doubts ko that I searched for the risen Lord beyond those who have told me about him. As a teacher in a Bible School, and even in my former church, one of the challenge I saw is when people have questions in their faith and life, they have several reactions: (1) they dismiss the question so they’ll be at peace, (2) they simply lose faith, (3) they face the question head on, not afraid of the cognitive dissonance, bravely struggling towards an authentic faith. Keep asking and keep doubting. Seek the Lord. Find paths in your journey of faith and unbelief. J.R.R. Tolkien tells us, All that is gold does not glitter; Not all who wander are lost. The old that is strong does not wither. Deep roots are not reached by the frost. So do not be guilty trying to wander along. Go, but do it rooted in the timeless truths of life, guided by the wisdoms of the past and diverse voices from many other places you least expect. For thousands of years, we were told to keep quiet, to keep our questions to ourselves. But to seek answers and explore questions is power. The empire does not want us to raise our consciousness and that of people. Do not be guilty with all your questions, and doubts. Even Paul reminded us to “be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This Divine Mercy Sunday, may we find ourselves being at peace honest to ourselves, being authentic in our faith as we confess “Jesus, God, I trust in you.” Amen. The post Believing in Doubt appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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Easter: Surprised By Joy 24:50

vor 6 weeks24:50

24:50

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’s head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:1-18 NRSVUE Happy Easter! The theme for the season of Easter is “The Gift of Surprise: The Joy of the Unexpected.” In the following weeks, we will be using passages from the Vanderbilt lectionary. And, for the next few weeks, we will be reading from the Gospel of John. Life is so playful. Una, ito ba naman ang tema natin. When the theme was given by Pastor Joseph, I was surprised. Una, dahil ayoko ng surprises. I’m a black and white person. I think it lies in my nature as a perfectionist (or as a control freak). I want to know the details so I can plan and that I will not be disappointed. In my mind was an endless simulation of situations, and I tend to imagine the worst things that might happen to prepare for a gameplan in my head. Madalas, sasabihin ko na lang na “Nakita ko na ‘yan.” The “foresight” is a product of “tragedies” being replayed and solved in my head. Kaya, “joy of the unexpected?” No, I do not find joy in not knowing. (Also, mukha ba akong joyful?) Pangalawa, andaming surprises ng mga araw bago ang Linggong ito. Health scare, some dilemmas, and other things. I was not even sure if I can even stand before you today and, as I was writing this intro, alam kong hindi ako tatayo ngayong Linggo para basahin ito. I am fully convinced that it is only by grace that I can make it this day (be it physically or in spirit). Can I get an amen? Background: The Gospel of John is surprising. It is strikingly different from the other three gospels: from the structure, the theme, its theology, the materials it contains like the Signs (or miracles), even how Jesus was presented. Medyo iba ang gospel of John from Mark, Luke, and Matthew. Jesus was described in the Synoptic Gospels as “the witness of faith,” prodding his listeners, his disciples to believe in God. In John, he became “the object of faith.” Along with other literary elements in the Gospel of John like the logos and pre-existence introduction, another key material which transformed Jesus from being a mere moral teacher to a god, presenting in the gospel a “high” and advanced Christology, is the narrative of the resurrection. Just a review from our boot camp – this means that each of the gospels to some extent mirror and reflect how the early Christians were trying to make sense of their faith in relation to Jesus of Nazareth, who for them is the promised Messiah. Each of the gospel tries to answer the question of Jesus about Jesus – “Who do you say I am?” The Resurrection: In the opening of the resurrection story in the Gospel of John, a character so dear to us was the first on the scene—Mary of Magdala, the tower, the disciple of Jesus. It was still dark, and she was already at the tomb, the place that they never thought Jesus would be at. A week ago, they were shouting “Hosanna!” in protest lines. They were hopeful because Jesus may be the political messiah they were waiting for. They bet that he might be unlike the others before him. He promised and proclaimed to those under Roman occupation “release to the captives, sight to the blind, freedom to those who are oppressed.” He also proclaimed a kingdom not like that of the Empire. But, surprise, he ended up the same – killed by those in power. They cannot believe it. It was unlike anything they imagined. They were even arguing who would sit beside him once his kingdom has been established. (Of course he reprimanded them.) They thought they were set to win. But the Empire has its ways. It uses, twists, co-ops, or threatens other institutions to their advantage. The Temple institution, threatened by Jesus and his teachings, was instrumental; they called him a blasphemer, a rebel, and an instigator of the people. Most of those in the halls of power didn’t want any reform nor their leadership and teachings questioned. They wanted their “legacy of service” continued. They can sway people who welcomed Jesus with cheers of “Hosanna to the Son of David” to shout “Crucify him!” next. The empire, those in power, determined his death. It led Jesus to that hill, hanging on the cross with his fellow criminals. It caused his disciples to scatter and tremble in fear. It led Mary in that dark, cold, gloomy morning in the tomb where he was laid down. Now, where is the good kind of surprise in this story? Where is the joy in this unexpected event? Was it even “unexpected” when, as always, the empire wins? Let us go back to the first of four appearance stories of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Recognize the divine. John’s account of Easter starts with the empty tomb (20:1–10), just like Matthew, Mark, and Luke, although it is told very differently. Only one woman, Mary Magdalene, is named instead of several. Although she does not enter the tomb, and she “saw (βλέπει; blepei) that the stone had been removed from the tomb.” The Gospel writer said that Mary Magdalene brings Peter and the beloved disciple, who dash to the tomb, open it, discover it empty but for the burial wrappings, and then head back “to their homes.” Mary Magdalene was left crying at the tomb. Then she peered in, looked closely and saw (θεωρεῖ; theōrei) two angels who asked, “Woman, why are you crying?” She was not merely seeing, she contemplated, observed, scrutinized (theorei) the scene. She responds, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Neither Mary nor the two disciples understood what the empty tomb meant. When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. She does not recognize him. Instead, she thinks he is the gardener and says to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus calls her by name, “Mary,” and she recognizes him. She exclaimed “Rabbouni!” (Teacher! Lord!). Later, she was sent to the other disciples and said, “I have seen ( ἑ ώρακα; heōraka) the Lord.” One of the key features of the Gospel of John is what theologians called “progressive revelation.” The Gospel writer/s were good in building up the story and eventually revealing something at the end. This may not be noticeable for those who cannot read/understand the Koine Greek. In the story of Mary Magdalene in the first Easter, this can be seen with the word choices of the author. We have only read the verb “see/have seen” but the original language reveals more. From (blepei) “looking in” or “to clearly see a material object” (referring to the stone removed from the tomb) in verse 1, Mary then became more observant (theorei) in verses 12 and 14 (the ancient Greek word theorei means “to contemplate, observe, scrutinize”). Eventually, she came to (heoraka, like eureka) have found, and recognized Jesus. So, look closely, contemplate, and find God in the details of our lives and in our his/herstory. May we find not just the stone rolled away, or the burial cloths lying; may we recognize that Jesus is alive and experience God in as we seek. Recognize divine moments in our mundane lives. The key is that we seek. Let yourself be surprised with how God moves. The death of Jesus was a surprise to them because they already had something in their mind of what his earthly kingdom will be. So, when he died, their world crashed. Actually, it shouldn’t even come as a surprise because the gospels themselves tell us that Jesus himself told his followers that he would die and that he would rise again. But the thing with us followers, we are so caught up with our own imaginations of how things should be, and even how God should be, that we do not pay attention to what God or Jesus is telling us. And when what is being told finally happens, we are shocked and surprised. For example, our country and world are such a terrible place right now. A lot of shit is happening. We have tyrannical leaders rising to power once more. We are threatened again on the edge of the possibility of World War III. Destructive climate change. The current political in-fighting of Team Kadiliman and Team Kasamaan; and now sumama na rin ang Team Kaitiman. And we can be so caught up and distracted with all these terrible things. We can focus on despair and hopelessness that we forget the lessons of human history and the promise of our own faith – tyrants, empires, and evil powers do not have the final say on things. Good will always rise. And though it might be long, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, the moral arch of the universe bends ever towards justice. God was not done yet. God never is. In the absurdity of life, the handiwork of the divine is very evident in the stories of humankind. In Egypt, the Habiru (Hebrew) were enslaved for generations. YHWH liberated them from the shackles of slavery. The God of the Bible took the side of the oppressed. God revealed to the prophets that it is them who frees nations under the rule of empires. Our God is the God who declares that justice will roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. We must only be patient. We only must know the signs of the time. God is moving in ways we cannot see, we only have to do our part. The morning of March 11 was ordinary when rumors of Duterte’s arrest was sent to our group chat with the nanay’s of Payatas. Volunteers kami ni Jeb sa Project SOW (Solidarity with Orphans and Widows), mga left-behind, mga biktima ng tokhang. Hindi pa kami naniniwalang mag-asawa noong una. Paano ba naman, yung mga sanggol na kinakarga-karga namin dati, nasa eskwelahan na. Baka excited lang si Fr. Bong , sabi ko sa isip ko. Pero nung sinabing naisyuhan na sya ng warrant at in detention na, naiyak na lang ako. For years, we have seen the children of SOW in Payatas struggled as they were labeled as mga anak ng adik, mga anak ng natokhang . For years, we have witnessed them trying their hardest to make ends meet, striving to be productive and redeeming their names. (Trivia lang: sila ay isa sa mga supplier/producer ng PPE ng Office ng dating VP Leni noong kasagsagan ng pandemya.) This Easter, they have been vindicated. They were victims of violence. Justice has not been fully rendered yet. Our courts have not heard their cases. But their faces that afternoon of March 11, told us that the light of resurrection dawns in their lives. Two things were affirmed in the resurrection story. First, that Jesus lives . Second, that God has vindicated Jesus . Scripture tells us “He whom you have killed by hanging him on a tree, God exalted him on his right hand” (Acts 5: 30 -31). The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this: “The Father’s power ‘raised up’ Christ his Son and by doing so perfectly introduced his Son’s humanity, including his body, into the Trinity. Jesus is conclusively revealed as ‘Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his Resurrection from the dead’. St. Paul insists on the manifestation of God’s power through the working of the Spirit who gave life to Jesus’ dead humanity and called it to the glorious state of Lordship.” (CCC 648). God has said “yes” to Jesus and “no” to the powers who executed him. Easter is not about an afterlife or about happy endings. Easter is God’s “yes” to Jesus against the powers who killed him. The stories underline this in different ways. In Luke and John, the risen Jesus continues to bear the wounds of the empire that executed him. In Matthew, the risen Jesus has been given authority over all the authorities of this world. Mark, writing most concisely among the authors of the gospels, says simply, “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified; he has been raised.” The authors of the gospels do not speak about Jesus’s resurrection without speaking about his crucifixion by the collusion between collaborators and imperial power. In the words of the earliest and most widespread post-Easter affirmation about Jesus in the New Testament, Jesus is Lord. And if Jesus is Lord, the lords of this world are not. Easter affirms that the domination systems of this world are not of God and that they do not have the final word. Let joy fuel you. Why is this important? Para sa mga biktima ng karahasan, tulad ng mga naulila at mga balo ng Payatas, ang muling nabuhay na Panginoon ay nagiging tanda ng pag-asa na balang araw, igagawad din ng Diyos ang katarungan para sa kanila. Para sa atin. Para sa iba pang mga oppressed na sektor. Kung nagawa ito ng Diyos para kay Hesus, balang araw, sa kung anong paraan at sa kung anong lugar, igagawad din ng Diyos ang tagumpay sa kanila, sa atin. When I looked at their faces that March 11, I saw not just courage and hope. I saw joy. “Ate Rix, nakaisang hakbang tayo,” sabi ng isang nanay sa amin noong nakaraan habang nakangiti. Syempre naiyak ako. Maybe, what the psalmist sang was true, Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Joy is the sum of that hope of what has God had planned. It is that we received after much waiting, much anticipation. “It is (…) always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still ‘about to be’,” says C.S. Lewis in his autobiography. Joy sustains us enough to live with hope in these dark days we are living in. Hindi pa tapos ang laban, alam natin yun. Our enemies are progressing also. Wala pang trial sa ICC. May eleksyon pa tayong babakahin. The situation in the United States will surely trickle down to us. The genocide in Palestine is still on going. The Roman Empire did not end when Jesus rose from the dead. But may the resurrection remind us to not live in gloom and in negativity, never appreciating even the slightest victory we can have. Jesus is Christus Victor, the one who triumphed. May the resurrection dawn on us all. May we let God surprise us. May we find joy in the unexpected. May the God who vindicated Jesus may fully come to vindicate us and all of those who suffer around us. Happy Easter to all! The post Easter: Surprised By Joy appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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Meeting Death and the Dead 30:20

vor 8 weeks30:20

30:20

When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:28-44 NRSVUE What would you negotiate with God for someone you love not to die or extend their life? Or perhaps your life? What would you say or negotiate to extend your own life if ever you find yourself facing death’s door? Or will you be peacefully willing to go? In our story today, Jesus raises Lazarus who has been dead for 4 days. May amoy na nga sabi nung mga tao. The people suddenly witnessesed not a ghost but someone who was dead but now alive. Medyo sinisisi pa ni Martha si Jesus kung bakit namatay kapatid nyang si Lazarus. If only you have been here earlier teacher my brother wouldn’t have died. Kung nandito ka lang ng mas maaga, edi sana hindi namatay ang kapatid ko. Asan ka ba? Ano bang pinaggagagawa mo? Hindi bat siya yung iniibig mo? Is he not the one whom you love? It is also in this story that we hear that Jesus weeps. Tumangis. Humagulgol. Nagluksa. Many churches almost always focus on the fact that Lazarus literally rose from the dead because of Jesus. And rightfully so, this is the first obvious thing about this story. This is also the final and most dramatic sign of power that points to the messianic identity of Jesus. What is mentioned as miracles in the gospel of John are not called miracles but rather they are called as “signs”. Signs that point to something. In this case, the miraculous signs in the gospel of John points to who Jesus is, the messiah, the son of God and someone who is also God. In the gospel of John this is the last and most dramatic sign before the last supper and his arrest. And here, the sign points to Jesus as the resurrection. Si Hesus ang muling pagkabuhay. However, in favor of resurrection and the triumph of life, many Christian fail what the story also tries to say in subtle ways. That while Jesus is the resurrection, there is no resurrection without passing through suffering and death. That even with Jesus, death still comes for him, his followers, and for all of us. And not just death, pain, suffering, and grief abounds. Lazarus still died even though he was the beloved of Jesus as per the gospel of John. In the verses prior to our story today, bago sila makarating sa bahay nila Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, in verse 16, “Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” The fact is even after the resurrection of Lazarus, indeed, Jesus was taken, tortured, and then crucified, and died. It is good to assume that Lazarus also later died. All the apostles died. Paul, who claims to be the apostle to the gentiles also died. Fr. Richard Mickley and Pastor Egay who loved, served, and believed in God with all their hearts, died. When we visited Fr Richard a week before he passed away, he was sleeping and he was listening to the Roman Catholic Mass. To the last breath, Fr. Richard placed his hope and comfort in the Eucharist. Pastor Egay had a simple yet genuine faith that fueled his pastoral ministry and his kindness towards all. Kuya Michale Mia, a pentecostal, believed and proclaimed Jesus Christ and his unconditional love. Nonetheless, they all DIED. They passed away. They took the final bow. Jesus never said that we will never have to face death and the suffering that goes with it. Jesus never said that we will never have to weep and grieve our friends and family who dies before us. Siya mismo sa story natin today, wept. The promise is that when we die, there is life beyond. There is resurrection. Now, we do not know what life-beyond would be and how it would be. We do not have any objective and scientific facts if there is really life beyond death. On that matter, I welcome the uncertainty and the mystery of what is beyond death. I think, it does us good not to know if there is life beyond death and on reverse, human civilization will collapse if we suddenly found out objectively and factually, either there is life beyond death or there is no life beyond death. I welcome and mystery and the uncertainty of death. I can only trust that my own Christian tradition speaks about a whole different life beyond, which is a life with God and within God. Some buddhist traditions would tell us that we are like drops of rain water that originated from the oceans and seas. Evaporated into the heavens and then condensed to be born as rain water that fell from the skies. Droplets of water that would travel on landscapes, rivers, and streams until finally finds its way back into the ocean and becomes one with it once more. But really and ultimately, we do not know what happens beyond the doors of death. The only certainty we know is that each one of us will meet death and pass through her doors literally, figuratively, and poetically. Rich and poor will die. Althought it is the poor that die and suffer more nad often. Tyrants and dictators will die one day. Left, right, center, progressive, moderate, conservative are all going to die one day. This is also why we have lent and why the beginning of lent – ash Wednesday – reminds all of us that we will all die one day. This is the wisdom of following the liturgical calendar and acknowledging the cycles of life, human experiences, and human emotions which includes death, suffering, sorrow, and grief. We are an Easter people, the children of the resurrection but our resurrection is always framed by the fulness of life which includes tragedies and certainly death. As Easter people, we are asked to face all tragedies including death because of our hope and promise that though we die, our life never truly ends but only returns to the same ocean we call God. Again, we do not know exactly what happens to us after we die. A lot of people and brilliant theologians and church denominations have something to say about it and will argue using biblical passages. Will even argue using Jesus and the words of Jesus. But one thing I would like to offer is that perhaps another way to live beyond death like Lazarus and the other Apostles, and the early Christians is for us to live out our faith the same way they did so that like them, though dead, we are still remembered and we live-on through the stories told about us hundreds or thousands of years from now. And compared to them, mas maaalala tayo ngayon because we have the technology where our voices and our faces are recorded, kept, and distributed widely. Through AI and CGI, pwede mo na nga irecreare into film ang isang patay, physical features and voice as if they were alive. Kung ating pagsusumikapan ang ating buhay na puno ng pananampalataya, pag-ibig, paglilingkod, at tapang na ipaglaban ang ating queer community, tulad kung paano si Hesus at ang kanyang mga unang disipoles, tayo ay mabubuhay namang muli sa mga kwento at aral na pag-uusapan at ibabahagi ng mga susunod na henerasyon. We will be reesurrected and live on in the ongoing story of the church, the body of Christ and in the continuing conversation of faith and belief. Perhaps to live on is to be counted with the great cloud of witnesses or the communion of saints. Mapabilang sa dakilang lupon at samahan ng mga banal, propeta at mga santo’t santa na ang buhay ay inialay para iba at mga aba. Like Jesus and through Jesus, we live-on because we offered our lives to love and serve others, and therefore, our stories matter. We become part of the ongoing story of Jesus and our lives proclaim Jesus. Na nung nabubuhay pa tayo without even thinking about it, tayo ay taus pusong naglingkod at nagmahal sa ating kapwa sa pamamagitan ng isang mumunting komunidad na Open Table MCC. Tulad nilang mga first century Christians, they were also small insignficant communities persecuted by the Roman Empire. We can only live beyond death, if we start living today in the fullness of love and service for others within the context of a missional community such as Open Table MCC. We are queer and progressive Christians. We are the children of the resurrection in and through Jesus Christ but we will never avoid all the shit of this world. Thomas even invites us to come and die with Jesus. We will never escape and circumvent death. She will meet us somewhere, someday or soon. I just hope and pray, I have lived, loved, and served worthy to enter the halls of my queer ancestors and there be counted and named. Counted and named with our queers ancestors, just maybe, perhaps, a thousand years from now when generations will be talking and preaching about Jesus, they will also talk and preach about Open Table MCC – About Jack, Kakay, and Joseph. About JT, the admin together with Josh, Charles, Austhin, and Dale, yung mga ingat yaman. When they preach and teach about Jesus, they will read about Allie and Danjo, and about RD na dating JW or si Rix at Jeb na naging magulang sa mga queer children, or paanong yung magkakapatid na straight ay nasumpungan ang Diyos sa simbahan ng mga accla. Hundreds or thousands of years from now, when they are talking about Jesus I hope they will be talking from the letter of Joseph to the church in Aurora who later moved to Annapolis and how the church of outcasts struggled to include neurdivergent people. How the church in Annapolis struggled to live by and practice grace with each other. I hope and pray, they will read and learn how those who were dead and closseted inside tombs were actually God’s beloved and were raised up and told to come out of their graves into the fullness of life. And hopefully, kung totoo mang may buhay beyond this life, we will see each other gathered together in that great rainbow cloud nagchichismisan and watching over the next generation of queer and progressive Christians. Hindi tayo sure dyan pero sa pangalan ni Hesus, Sya nawa. Amen. The post Meeting Death and the Dead appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

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Meeting an Angel of the Lord 28:31

vor 10 weeks28:31

28:31

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 NRSVUE We continue with our Lenten Encounter series. Previous 2 weeks, it was meeting the Devil and then last week meeting God and the prophets. This week it is about meeting an Angel of the Lord. And it is a bit weird noh, Lenten season and yet our gospel story is the annunciation. Sa Tuesday March 25 ang feast day of the Annunciation in the Liturgical Calendar which if you count 9 months it ends with December, Christmas. The story of annunciation as we all know and as we heard from the version of Matthew, the Angel Gabriel visited Mary of Nazareth, greeted her – “Greetings favored one. The Lord is with you.” In other translations, “Hail favored one, the Lord is with you.” And in the old translations may kasama pang “blessed are among all women.” Dito nagmula ang yung Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. And the story goes, nagulat si Mary and Grabriel told her that she will conceive a child and she will name him as Iesoun – Yeshua. And then Mary responds saying, how can this be for I am a virgin. Paanong manyayari ito eh wala pa akong experience with otochi. The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.” Tignan muna natin yang salitang Angel which comes from the greek Anggelos. According to the greek bible disctionary called Stong’s Lexicon from bible hub, Strong’s entry number 32, Anggelos means: a messenger, generally a (supernatural) messenger from God, an angel, conveying news or behests from God to humans. The same lexicon tells us that Anggelos… is derived from the root ἀγγέλλω (aggellō), meaning “to announce” or “to bring tidings.” The Hebrew equivalent is Stong’s entry H4397 (ךְָאְלַמ, mal’ak): Often translated as “angel” or “messenger,” used in the Old Testament to describe both divine and human messengers. Then the name Gabriel according to the same lexicon hebrew entry 1403 means Strong Man of God – from the root Geber – which means strong man or warrior. Sometimes, Gabriel means, “God is my strength”. It takes strength and to some extent courage to announce the truth and something impossible. In this case an impossible truth and an unbelievable good news. How can I conceive if I am a virgin, asks Mary? And behind the question is also, the question, why me? ME? Me favored? Blessed? Blessed among all women? I have found favor with God? Why? How? I’m a nobody. I’m a poor peasant young girl from an unknown town of Nazareth where nothing good comes from. Two lessons from the story of Annunciation: It takes strength and courage to deliver God’s message because God’s message often times are impossible truths and unbelievable good news that people will question. Some would even reject. While it takes strength and courage to herald the good news of God, the Good news is this – God chooses the weak, the powerless, and the nobody to bring about liberation and salvation. Kita nyo yung contrasting inter-play duon? Strength and courage to deliver the difficult and unbelievable truth BUT the truth being announced is about God’s power and grace always choosing the lowly, the weak, and no-body – like water that reaches down to the lowliest. Last Sunday I went to a panel discussion titled Blessed Love – it is about gender justice and the love between LGBTQIA+ people in a loving relationship, and based on the 18 years love story of Ash and Leslie, to see and hear that God has always been present in their relationship. It was inside a Catholic university. It was organized by the Theology Department of the university who were mostly women theologians. And I would say, it took a lot of courage and strenght for them to push and hold this event. In some metaphorical ways, these women theologians and one queer theologian are Anggelos and Grabriels – Strong and courageous messengers of God delivering a message of love and blessing not just to Leslie and Ash as queer couples but to the students many of which were themselves queers. Young queer students questioning themselves if they are also favored by God? And through the conversation and discussion, Yes, you are favored and the Lord is with you, and YOU as a queer person, like Mary, can conceive and give birth to God’s love in your life and to the world. MCC is also a strong and messanger of God announcing God’s favor to the weak, the oppressed, and the no-bodies. When MCC started in 1968 in the United States, that was a dangerous time for LGBTQIA+ Americans. The level of terror, violence, and systemic oppression was just unimaginable and something we never had to experience in most places here in the Philippines. When Troy Perry did the first public blessing of gays and lesbians, he received countless death threats. In one general conference of MCC in San Francisco the earliest days, they received a bomb threat and Troy Perry simply said to the other bishops, well can you look under your seats if there’s anything suspicious there? If none, then we proceed. They will not scare us away. Anyway, if we get bombed, we will all be together entering the pearly gates and we will fabulously enter like any pride parade. The first church property of MCC and of any LGBTQIA+ organization was arsoned and burned down just months after it was fabulously and solemnly consecreted. Then the AIDS crisis where an entire generation of MCC leaders and members died. Through all the challenges and threarts of MCC in the early days and also with the challenges of Open Table MCC for 18 years – we have remained strong, committed, and courageous with proclaiming God’s love for queer people who are considered weak, powerless, and no-bodies. Have you met other messangers of God who had to tell you difficult truths and unbelievable messages? Have you met Anggelos and Gabriels who did not fear telling difficult truths and impossible announcements? For MCC members and some of you here, do you rememebr a time in your life where you believed with all your heart that you are sinful as a queer person? Do you remember that long period of your life where you felt so much fear to be known by your church, your family, your friends, and your classmates that you were gay, lesbian, or trans? And you made every effort to hide it and to suppress? Then you found someone or this church telling you that you are not an abomination. Your love, your expression, and who you are, are holy and beautiful. Greetings accla, you are favored and the Lord is with you. For Ateneo Students, maybe you are in such a phase or situation right now where you are afraid, you feel weak, powerless, and unkown (a no body), we are here to tall you – Greetings favored ones. Do not be afraide. You have found favor with God and the Lord is with you. I hope that somewhere in your life you encountered Angels and Grabriels who told you that you are favored by God, and that YOU are chosen, weak and weird as you are, a no body in this country and the world, you are chosen by God to conceive and give birth to God’s liberation and salvation in our troubled world today. Figuratively and transposing the story to our context, you are like Mary, chosen to conceive and give birth to Jesus today. Huh? Ako rin ay tulad ni Mama Mary? Blasphemy. Of course not. Some of the 3rd century church fathers have already preached this before. Walang kwenta ang kwento ng conception and birth of Jesus if we are simply stuck with the story and we simply say how great and wonderful Mamay Mary is and how great and wonderful Jesus is by becoming human. Some of the patristic writings tells us – that you and me – tayo – we are also asked to conceive Christ and to give birth to him in our individual lives, in our communities, and in our world. We are also bearers of God like Mary. We queer people, other women, other non-stereotypical men, we are all God bearers. Our queerness is favored and through us God takes form a new. BUT You are not only Mary metaphorically, sometimes and in other situations but you are also Gabriel – a messanger of God being sent out to bravely tell the unbelievable truth and the impossible goodnews to other weak and powerless people – the message that they are also God’s favored ones called to embody God’s deliverance in their lives and in our society today. Therefore, whether you see yourself as similar to Mary, a young powerless peasant girl or if you see yourself as Gabriel – Go out into the world bring God’s love and the unbelievable message of God’s favor to so many others who need love and hope the most. In Jesus name, Go and may it be so. The post Meeting an Angel of the Lord appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

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Meeting God and the Prophets 32:14

vor 11 weeks32:14

32:14

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36 NRSVUE Napaka-sakit sa ulo ng week na ito for me sa totoo lang and haggard. Daming ganap at nangyari personally, as a pastor, and bilang Filipino. Habang developing ang pag-aresto kay ex-president ako naman ay nagsasalita sa witness stand as an expert witness for Pura Luka, after that may dalwang kasal dito sa chapel. And then namatay yung tita naming Carmelite nun and then kapatid ko ay kinasal kahapon. Daming ganap at pangyayari at halo-halong emotions. Masakit sa ulot. I had slight migrane nga eh. Thursday na nga ako nakapag-sulat ng sermon and I needed to listen to Gregorian chant para magpagpag at kumalma. Kayo? Kumusta ang week ninyo? So today is the second Sunday of Lent and our story is about the transfiguration of Jesus which is a synoptic story – meaning it is present in all 3 early gospels, which again means malalim ang inuugat ng kwentong ito and its meaning to the first- and second-generation Christians, and their communities. Now before we proceed to the actual story of the transfiguration, Jesus and his closest followers already travelled around preaching and also healing people. Bago ang kwento ng transfiguration, nakapaglibot-libot na si Hesus at kanyang mga alagad. Nakapangaral na sila at mangilan-ngilan na ang napagaling sa kanilang mga sakit. Before the story of the transfiguration, nag-preaching on the mount na si Jesus and he has fed 5000 people. Nakapag Milagro na rin sya of calming the storm when they were crossing the lake. Afterwards, he sent out into missions his followers to preach and giving them power to heal. And then after their mission bumalik na ang mga alagad nya to report what they did and experienced. Within the same chapter where the transfiguration story is, it says that Jesus is under the surveillance King Herod Antipas. Within the same chapter also, Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah of God and in response Jesus tells them as a Messiah he is going to be rejected by their temple leaders, and he will suffer and die, but on the 3 rd day he will rise agin. He then challenged them that those who wish to follow him must carry their cross and must also be willing to give their lives the same as he is. Sufficient to say… sobrang daming nangyari kay Jesus at sa followers nya. By this time also patay na si John the Baptist. Taken, tortured, and murdered by King Herod Antipas for entertainment purposes and to satisfy the revenge of his mistress, the wife of his brother because John the Baptist was criticizing and denouncing Antipas for his inappropriarte relationship with his brother’s wife. And as mentioned after the death of John the Baptist, si Hesus naman ang under surveillance. Ang daming nangyari at nangyayari. Madami na silang pinuntahan at ginawa. The followers were even sent to preach and heal without him. By that point, sobrang marami na rin kinuda at chinika si Jesus. THEN, 8 days after Peter declares and says he is the Messiah of God, he went away taking with him Peter, and brothers James and John, and kanyang inner circle. In the gospels, when Jesus goes out to pray, it also means he goes out to rest and have a quiet time. Sometimes alone. Other times with his inner circle. With so many things happening and with so much work that Jesus and his followers do under the threat and watchful eye of the false Herodian king, it is still important for them to intentionally step away for a moment, pause, rest, eat, and most importantly, pray in silence and calmness for the well-being of their bodies, their minds (mental health), and their souls. They also needed to do this to re-group, check up on each other, and see their direction and next plans. Kailangan huminga at magpahinga, at kailangan tignan muli ang mga bagay na ating naranasan at ang ating mga susunod na mga gagawin lalo na with the reality of external threats. With so much happening around us especially this week; with so many things we are doing in our church community kahit na Marso palang, we need a time to step back and pause. – diba Marso pa lang parang ang dami na nating ginawa. And specifically for March 2025, bakit parang gusto lahat gawin ngayong March. End of the world na ba by March 31? Pinagsisiksikan lahat sa March. Maraming paganap ang ibang mga organizations and I have several sunod-sunod na speaking engagements with Ateneo, PUP, and Filipino-German artist, then yung pagwitness ko pa kay Pura and then humahabol pa ang UTS. Sa dami ng nangyayari at struggles sa ating mga personal na buhay at dito sa ating MCC Community, sa LGBTQIA+ network, sa paparating na eleksyon, this recent national teleserye between team kasamaan and team kadiliman at sa iba pang ganap sa buong mundo… in the midst of all the chaos and mga bardahan at bardagulan, like Jesus and his followers we need to pause and step away from all the chaos kahit sandali lang. We need to silence our hearts and minds, and calm our souls and look inside us if our part in all this chaos is still true to the gospel message, and the principles and values we claim to offer and live by? Like the reactionary and emotional Peter, and the ambitious James and John, Jesus invites us to go up the mountain with him to breathe and calm our raging hearts. We are his followers and after nya tayong sinugo sa ating misyon bilang individual Christians and bilang Open Table, he is inviting us to go up the mountain to step away, pause, and reflect SO THAT we may ask, where is God in all of these chaos? Where can we hear God’s voice and what is God telling us? Jesus is inviting us to reflectively remember whom we serve and follow, and why we serve in a faith community within the context of all these socio-political upheavals. Jesus invites us to learn from him to step away and pray, at wag magbabad sa social media, and doing so masumpungan mulit natin ang Diyos sa lahat ng ating mga ginagawa at sa lahat ng kaguluhan sa ating paligid. Stepping away from people and all the social problems – Peter, James, and John witnessed something remarkable. They saw Jesus become luminescent and then there appeared the prophet’s Moses and Elijah – Moses representing the Covenant & the priesthood, and Elijah representing the prophets and the prophetic tradition. What is the heart of the covenant? Love. To love God and loving neighbor as one’s self. What is the prophetic tradition? It is a call for justice and compassion as the expression of the covenant among the people and AS the people. Jesus transfiguring, representing the fulfilment and embodiment of the covenant – love becoming flesh – and the continuation of the prophetic tradition – Jesus as the source and standard of redemptive justice. When we intentionally take the time and space to step away – kahit sandali lang – from all the chaos and also to examine our own hearts and minds, the hope is that we will encounter the transfigured Jesus and to be reminded that our mission and our spirituality go back to the covenant of love and to the roots of redemptive justice held together by our living example, the same Jesus Christ – who teaches us not only to love our neighbor as ourselves, but also love our enemies. To pray for those who hurt us and who have different political, ideological, and theological perspectives from us. Jesus who flips the tables of the powerful and the greedy, and not the tables of the poor and oppressed who sadly, many of them have put their trust in false saviors in the person of politicians. Jesus who tells us that the front and center of our mission and evangelization are the poor, oppressed, and the victims of violence – which includes EJK victims and their families, the drug addicts themselves, and also the victims of crimes of those who are under the influence of drugs. Kaya mahirap maging mabuting Kristiyano kasi lahat talaga bitbit natin. Walang iwan. Walang tapon. Even as we set boundaries and clear ethical lines, our love must include the followers of both team kasamaan and team kadiliman, many of which are also from the oppressed sectors. God’s love and redemptive justice includes all. Mahirap maging progressive na Kristiyano dahil in our wokeness and sense of goodness – having understanding about human rights, social analysis, and liberation theology, sometimes we are also easily pushed towards gloating and to respond with equal ideological violence and vitriol. And understandably so. Sobrang pagod natin sa ating mga ginagawa sa buhay, sa simbahan, at sa advocacy. Sobrang pagod receiving insult upon insult from team kadiliman and team kasamaan followers. And it seems that this week is our vindication and the opportune time to let out all our frustration in the form of insult, sarcasm, or even outright attack thinking we are being aligned and staying true with our values and principles, BUT in truth, it is simply the enjoyment and the satisfaction of our own human vindictiveness to which all of us including myself are guilty of. May nagchika nga sa akin, pastor pagbigyan mo na. Well, wala naman akong pinagbawal o pinagalitan. Ako naman ay nagpapaalala lang then and now in this preaching. Sabi ng nanay nyo… “nauunawaan ko ang frustration nyo pero mas radikal ang magmahal. Madali makipagdebate pero mas epektibo ang magmahal.” “Sabi rin ng kanyang former running mate: Naiintindihan ko ang frustrations ng mga ilan sa hanay natn pero sana hindi ito dinadaan sag alit o pangungutya. Gentle reminder. We need to persuade and convince. We do not need to ridicule and insult. Kailangan natin makipag-usap at makinig. Hindi itong magmagaling, mang-insulto, at makipag-away.” While this was said during the 2022 campaign, the request of Kiko and Leni remains true and relevant. Ang ating pangungumbinsi at pagpapanday ng mas maayos na bansa sa pamamagitan ng radikal na pagmamahal ay hindi natapos o natalo nung 2022. Ito ay nagpapatuloy. This is the hard truth – dahil nakalimutan natin ang radikal na pagmamahal or meron tayong resistance dito maski nung mismong 2022 kampanya pa, pwede ba nating iconsider na tayo rin ay naging bahagi at may ambag sa ating pagkatalo sa mga pagkakataong hinayaan natin ang ating mga sarili na hilahin tayo sa kagustuhan nung iba na makipagbardagulan at bardahan? Did we shoot ourselves, figuratively, when we gave into the enemies desire for conflict between our people? Now, we find ourselves again in the same conflict and this time thinking that we have the upper moral ascendency, we again lash out and make fun of others while your nanay actually remains unbothered and resist getting pulled back into the conflict. We have said each of our pieces sa sari-sarili nating social media and we have already had a laugh sa social media at sa mga chatrooms. All of us including myself. Now is the time to step back, pause, and reflect if the way we are behaving expresses the radikal na pagmamahal not only of Nanay Leni but of Jesus of Nazareth? Using Leni’s video and quoting Kiko is not an endorsement of them but a reminder and an appeal for all of us. Afterall yung pakiusap nilang radikal na pagmamahal ay walang kulay o politika. It applies to all ano man ang political affiliation mo. While at the same time, paalala yan sa atin since aminin naman natin na while this church will never have any official political endorsement, the members and leaders of this church are 95% ot 98% kakampink at mahalagang paalalahan kayo mula sa salita mismo ng nanay nyo. In the story of the transfiguration, a voice was heard – This is my beloved son, listen to him. Despite our best efforts and best intentions as followers of Jesus and as kakampinks of Leni, talagang hindi rin tayo nasunod at nakinig sa kanila. Sometimes, like the disciples of Jesus we even get frustrated with Jesus and with Leni, and we could not understand their message of radical love. The story of transfiguration for this second Sunday of Lent, after this chaotic week, reminds us to step away for a moment, pause, pray, and reflect. Be reminded of who we follow. Be reminded of the values and teachings we claim to believe and practice. Ang radikal na pagmamahal ay hindi gagawin kung nanalo siya at hindi ihihinto dahil natalo sya. It is a movement and a way of life beyond elections. Radically incluysive love is in our UFMCC statement of faith, but it stretches all the way back to Jesus of Nazareth. We are reminded that the struggle and work is not over and it continues. Peter said to Jesus, that it is well and good that they are there and they should stay there on top of the mountain together with Moses and Elijah. They will make 3 tents for them. But after the spectacular experience Jesus tells them that they should go down the mountain and continue their service and ministry for the people. And what was the first thing Jesus did – Jesus healed and liberated someone from a convulsing spirit with him being frustrated kahit kabababa lang nung mountain. Sabi ni Jesus, How long will I have to be with you? But even with his frustration, he nonetheless, freed someone from a demonic possession that causes convulsion – Pinalaya niya sa pagkakagapos ang isang taong may espirito ng pagwawala. After we step away and meet Jesus and the prophets, and hear the voice of God telling us to listen to Jesus, and after honestly checking ourselves, tayo ay babalik sa kaguluhan nitong bansa natin at ng mundo. Tayo ay makikipag-sapalaran muli bilang Kristyano at bilang simbahan at sa pangalan ni Hesus tayo ay magppaalaya sa mga ginagapos ng espirito ng pagwawala hindi sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa kanilang pagwawala at bardahan – bagkus sa pamamagitan ng radikal na pagmamahal. Sa pangalan ni Hesus na wala naman talagang kulay o partido pero pinapanigan ang mga api at lahat nfg biktima ng kaharasan, magmahal tayong muli. The post Meeting God and the Prophets appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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Meeting The Devil 26:47

vor 12 weeks26:47

26:47

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13 NRSVUE Lent almost always begins with the story of Jesus being led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness and there meeting the devil. Jesus meets the devil after he was baptized by John in the Jordan and as the scripture says, was filled by the Holy Spirit. As followers of Jesus if we take our following of Jesus seriously, like him, there will be times and situations where we will meet different devils (metaphorically) in our journey both as individual Christians and as a church community. And wala tayong choice meron at merong tayong ma-memeet na mga dimunyo sa ating paglalakbay sa buhay. And perhaps sometimes, tayo rin ang nag-uugaling dimunyo paminsan-minsan, hense why we have lent and why the first story of lent is always Jesus meeting the devil. Meron itong gustong palaging ipaalala sa atin. The original koine Greek word used to refer to devil is the word diabolos used as a noun – The noun form of diabolos may refer to a person or as a supernatural entity. The noun form originates from its verb form and within the Greek-speaking society of Jesus and Paul diabolos as a verb did not always refer to a spirit-entity. Both the verb form and the noun form diabolos were used by regular non-Christian Greek speaking peoples to refer to a person who is a false accuser or the act of slandering. From Strong’s Lexicon entry 1225 from Biblehub.com it says: The Greek verb “diaballó” primarily means to slander or accuse someone falsely. Making false statements with the intent to harm another’s reputation. In the New Testament, this term is often associated with malicious gossip or false accusations that can lead to division and strife within communities. In the Greco-Roman world… The act of “diaballó” was not only a personal attack but could also disrupt the harmony of the community. But the irony about the devil in the bible is that he actually tells the truth but to use the truth or pieces of truth to harm and accuse. Because the greatest forms of lies and falsehoods are those that have some truth in them, and even if there is no lies, truth – pawang katotohanan – can also be used to harm individuals, communities, and even nations. That’s why the devil has been called the Father of lies. Pero parang inaccurate yun kasi nga nagsasabi pala ng totoo ang dimunyo at magaling sya sap ag-gamit ng katotohan pero ang mas tama title nya ay Father of Manipulation. Kasi, ginagamit ng demonyo ang katotohanan or pieces of truth to cause harm or cause people to do things against what is genuinely good for them. Here the gospel writer of Luke and also Matthew presents us with the Devil not only as a false accuser but more as a false promiser – Huwad na tagapangako. If gagawin mo ito, ito ang magiging benefit mo. If you only do this thing, you will benefit in this way. If you do what I say, you no longer have to suffer. This is the temptation of Jesus and perhaps our temptation as humans especially those who have power and position sa ating families, power and position sa ating work or organizaitons, sa mga corporations, and as gobyerno. At least in two of the 3 temptations, the devil quotes scripture to say that it is within the right and power of Jesus to do what the devil is urging him to do. The so-called temptations or tests of Jesus were what? 1. Feed yourself by turning these stones into bread. 2. Make a spectacular miracle at the center of power and faith – the temple – so that everyone will immediately believe you, accept you, and worship you. 3. Worship me and I will give you all wealth and power of this world since it is mine to give. One thing I realized is that the power of Jesus to do miracles was never self serving. When he was hungry and thirsty, he will get his food and water like any ordinary human but when others needed it, he performed to produce wine and then to multiply food to feed a so many poor and hungry people. He lives and suffers as a human in every way humans do when it comes to his own life. Not once was there a story where he used his power for personal satisfaction or gain. Here, the true temptation of the devil is for Jesus to exercise his power for personal gain and to argue at least in two of the temptations, that Jesus has the right and the power to do as the devil suggests. You are the son of God, you have the power to do this, why not benefit from it. It is just bread. Why not save yourself the trouble and struggle, you can jump from the roof of the temple and angels will swoop down to save you so that everyone will see and believe you are indeed God’s son, the long awaited messiah. The 2 nd temptation of wealth and global dominance is also a way to benefit Jesus. If you have own all the material wealth of the world and have dominion over it, you can change the world the way you want it. Will you not sacrifice a few seconds of bowing down and a few words of praise if that would give you the power and dominance to correct everything that is wrong in the world? BUT, Jesus calmly rejects and pushes back by also quoting scripture, we do not live by bread alone but from every word that comes from God. There is something more and something much bigger to consider than just my personal gain. Because using power for self-interest will never heal or change the world for the better. Worshiping power and dominance have not changed the world before Jesus was born and it will certainly not change the world had Jesus taken the offer of the devil. Have you encountered this kind of devil in your life or in our Philippine society? Someone who tells you to do something so that you can benefit from it, and would even argue that it is within your power and right to do certain things for your personal gain? Magbigay kayo sa panginoon para pagpalain kayo ng siksik, liglig, at umaapaw. Ibigay nyo maski ang inyong mga lupa’t bahay. Ibigay nyo hindi lang 10%. Kung kaya nyo ibigay ang 20 to 30% dahil ibabalik yan sa inyo ng panginoon higit pa sa binigay niyo. Give and do something good with the promise that you will gain more. Mag-quote pa sa bible ng mga verses. This kind of twisted theology of prosperity with the use of scripture is demonic. Iboto nyo pamilya ko ngayong election at pag ginawa nyo yan, ibibigay ko itong lupa sa inyo. Support us, defend us, vote for us, and keep our family in power, and if you do so, may ayuda kayo from us. Yung mga barangay na may pinaka-mataas na boto para sa akin ang makakareceive ng maraming ayuda at projects pag pasko, pag may sakuna, at pag piyesta. Kumpadre, halika, tumakbo kang senador – pag senador ka na you will have more resources and government power to help more people. Come and become a Senator. Come and join our senatorial slate, BASTA sa amin ka susunod. Yung mga boto mo at desisyon mo sa senado ay yung sasabihin namin. All these you will have when you become a senator just follow my lead. Just follow my lead is another way of saying, just worship me. I promise NO MORE DRUGS and DRUG Addicts. I promise that the Philippines will be safest country in South East Asia. Bastat kahit anong sabihin ko at gawin ko, at ng pamilya ko, ako lang ang panginoon nyo. Wag kayo maniniwala sa iba maski dyan sa diyos nyo na stupid. Sabi nung isang government leader dati on live broadcast sabi stupid daw si Hesus, a stupid god. Ibibigay ko sa inyo ang golden age at ang bente pesos na bigas, basta’t maging loyal lang kayo sa aming pamilya no matter. Loyal lang kayo palagi sa amin kasi magkaprobinsya tayo. We are in the season of Lent where the first gospel reading for the first Sunday is always about the devil tempting Jesus to do something that will benefit himself. And each time, Jesus rejects the temptation and the offer. Sino sa inyong buhay at sa ating lipunan noon at ngayon ang nagsasabi sa inyo at nag-ooffer na gumawa kayo ng mga bagay na magbebenfit kayo kahit kapalit ang inyong prinsipyo, kapalit ng kabutihan, at kapalit ng mas tama ngunit mas mahirap na daan? Naging joke nga sa ating MCC Chat, Jesus balik ka na! – sa lahat ng mga problema natin ngayon sa mundo at sa Pilipinas, ang tanging sagot ay “Balik ka na lang Jesus. Balik ka na, now na!” Because this is the easier and immediately satisfying solution. But perhaps it is not what we really need to change the world. Perhaps our desperate need for saviors is PRECISELY why the world is fucked up because people now have looked to false saviors and voted for them, and up to now support and defend them like the violent turtle and his daughter, the family of thieves back in power, and the orange clown who fancies himself as an absolute monarch. God wants what is good for us and I know God wants things to be better not just for humanity but for all the earth, but let us resist any the temptation of using power for self-interest and as means to immediately solve everything. Let us also reject many diabolos walking and talking around us offering self-serving promises and asking us to worship them by being mindless loyalists. True salvation has been shown to us in this way in the life and words of Jesus… love and serve God by loving and serving the people of God which often times means journeying with a few friends and followers, preaching here and there, challenging the powers of this world and being threatened by them. To proclaim Goodnews to the poor and the oppressed, and to organize and mobilize communities and sectors but this requires a lot of effort, time, and sacrifice like what Jesus and early Christians did. And to really save the world is to make disciples of every person so that every person will be willing to be die on a cross than to use violence as a solution. Because if and only when every one of us are willing to die for each other, then no one has to die, and only then the world will know justice and lasting peace. Kung ang bawat isa ay willing ibigay ang kanilang buhay para sa iba, mawawala na ang dahilan para may magbuwis pa ng buhay duon lamang matatamo ang tunay na katarungan at kapayapaan. And when that happens, then Jesus has finally returned and defeated sin, death, and the devil. Amen? In Jesus name, may it be so! The post Meeting The Devil appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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1
Grace in Community 43:29

vor 13 weeks43:29

43:29

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members and not all the [...] Read More... The post Grace in Community appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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Favored: Queers Full of Grace 30:33

vor 14 weeks30:33

30:33

Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come and my deliverance be revealed. Happy is the mortal who does this, the one who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and refrains from doing any evil. Do not let the foreigner joined to [...] Read More... The post Favored: Queers Full of Grace appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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1
Choosing Grace and Slaying Demons 44:11

vor 15 weeks44:11

44:11

They came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain, for he [...] Read More... The post Choosing Grace and Slaying Demons appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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Grace Is Its Own Boundary 30:08

vor 16 weeks30:08

30:08

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [...] Read More... The post Grace Is Its Own Boundary appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

Church for LGBT - Open Table MCC - Philippines

1
Giving Grace 43:54

vor 17 weeks43:54

43:54

We continue with our preaching series on Grace which is also our year long guiding theme. During our first Sunday we talked about Grace in the metaphor of water and the oceans. And then last week we continued still with water on how to live by grace in the same way we use water. Today [...] Read More... The post Giving Grace appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church .…

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