Lenten Reflection: Un-loud Speaker
27 Feb 2024
There was a time when jeepneys played music at very high volumes and honked with deafening sounds. While these are no longer encouraged these days, we find that loud speakers are still used in events and marketplaces to get attention, make announcements and hype up a place or activity. In fact, we may be more used to noise and flamboyance, regardless of the actual importance of what’s being said or what is happening.
However, the invitation of Jesus’ passion is not to clatter and spectacle. As quietly and simply as He came which we see depicted during Christmas, Christ humbly saved us by being hung on the cross with two thieves like a common criminal that we remember in the period ofLent. His was not high volumes and deafening sounds. In fact, He was an un-loud speaker announcing and showing God’s love and mercy. The importance of His message should never be mistaken because of the quiet and humble manner He lived that message. We need the depth and meaning of His salvation rather than any flashy yet empty proclamation.
How are you hearing and receiving Christ’s message? When was the last time you truly listened to Him? What can you do during this time to be more open to what God is saying? The un-loudness of the Father speaking through the Son reflects how we are given such respect and freedom. It is never a coercion, but always an invitation. It is without hurtfulness nor violence, always gentle and caring. It is not about power, but always about love.
Nauso dati sa mga dyip ang pagpapatugtog ng nakabibinging musika at pagbusina nang napakalakas. Bagaman hindi na hinihikayat ang mga ito ngayong mga araw, nakikita pa rin nating ginagamit ang mga malalakas na speakers sa mga kaganapan at tindahan upang makatawag ng pansin, magbigay ng anunsyo at lumikha ng alingasngas sa isang lugar o gawain. Katunayan, maaaring mas sanay tayo sa ingay at katingkaran, anuman ang kahalagahan ng sinasabi o nangyayari.
Subalitang paanyaya ng salaysay ni Hesus ay hindi sa kalatog at kinang. Kung paanong tahimik at payak Siyang dumating na inilalarawan ng Pasko, mababang-loob na iniligtas tayo ni Kristo sa pamamagitan ng pagkapakosa krus kasama ang dalawang magnanakaw tulad ng isang pangkaraniwang kriminal na inaalala natin sa panahon ng Kuwaresma. Hindi Siya kaugnay ng ingay at nakabibinging pagtawag. Katunayan, siya ang tahimik na tagapaghatid na nagbigkas at nagpatunay sa pag-ibig athabag ng Diyos. Hindi dapat magkamali o maliitin ang Kanyang mensahe dahil sa payapa at mababang-loob na pagsasabuhay Niya nito. Kailangan natin ang lalim at kabuluhan ng Kanyang pagliligtas at hindi anumang nakasisilaw ngunit hungkag na pagpapahayag.
Paano mo nadidinig at tinatanggap ang mensahe ni Kristo? Kailan ka huling nakinig nang tunay at buong-loob sa Kanya? Ano ang maaari mong gawin sa panahong ito upang higit na maging bukas sa sinasabi ng Diyos? Ang kawalan ng ingay ng pananalita ng Ama sa pamamagitan ng Anak ay sumasalamin sa paggalang at kalayaang iginagawad sa atin. Ito ay hindi pamumuwersa, ngunit laging paanyaya. Ito ay walang pananakit o karahasan, laging banayad at mapag-aruga. Ito ay hindi tungkol sa kapangyarihan, kung hindi laging tungkol sa pag-ibig.
#aihlentenreflections #ateneoishome
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