This period of quarantine has forced us to be reacquainted with every nook and cranny of our houses. Most, if not all, of our activities lately are limited to the boundaries of our homes, inspiring the more comedic among us to poke fun at our house arrest. I am amused at some of the more creative memes online such as this one posted before Easter: “Still have not decided where to go for Easter… debating between the living room or the bedroom.” Another one goes something like this: “Today we visit the kitchen again – the Capital of our House!” The situation is even more challenging for those who are quarantined in single room houses where social distancing is not only difficult but impossible. They do not have much room to stretch their legs, enjoy a little privacy or maintain some personal space. One meme shows a small nipa hut with several residents who have each nestled in the corners of the house and even perched themselves in the rafters to comply with the directive for social distancing! Such is our awareness of our homes today.
In the gospel for this Fifth Sunday of Easter, Jesus talks about God’s House. What is the extent of our knowledge about God’s House? Do we know it as well as our own homes?
Jesus describes it as having many dwelling places, which other translations refer to as “many rooms”. This image of ready accommodation makes this Bible passage a favourite for wake and funeral masses. We are used to thinking of God’s House as “Heaven” — a place where all the righteous departed now enjoy a beatific vision of God and living an eternity of happiness with Him. However, there are those with a more spatial perception of God’s dwelling place, who understand the text as a reference to the Temple of God — the Church, a structure of brick and mortar where God is believed to reside. Still, others with a more nuanced interpretation of this divine dwelling place see it as the many ways by which God’s presence is made manifest and in which His will is done here on earth, thus transcending all time and space. Recall in Luke’s gospel when Jesus answers the question on the coming of the Kingdom of God He says: “Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21)
Although, we cannot provide an accurate definition of God’s House, I am already comforted knowing the House of the Father is indeed a welcoming place. Its many rooms tell me He allows for the gathering of different people from all walks of life into a single community of believers. This is evident in the Acts of the Apostles where we hear that those who became obedient to the faith significantly increased in number. In God’s house, it’s definitely “The More the Merrier”.
More importantly, this faith community is inclusive. It makes room in life for others because every member is deemed of value. It strives to work for the good of all, neglecting no one. It is when all parties are treated fairly and divisive tensions are settled through dialogue, that God is truly made present. Notice that the First Christians even selected a few reputable men amongst themselves to regulate the fair distribution of food and other necessities. They made sure that no one would be overlooked.
St. Peter reminds us that we, as Christians are being built up into a spiritual house with Jesus Christ as its cornerstone. To have Jesus Christ as the foundation of our existence gives us the courage and strength to go beyond limits to perform wondrous deeds for others. The second reading from 1st Peter says: “We are called to declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) During this ECQ, we witness how this faith in Jesus Christ has allowed many among us to behave with altruism and selflessness, attesting to a reality that God builds His home in our hearts.
We hear on the news of four honest individuals who returned the financial assistance they received because another family member had already claimed the benefit. They could have easily pocketed the amount in silence because in times of crisis everyone does all they can to survive but instead, they chose to look beyond themselves. They said it was their way of helping and ensuring that others in worse conditions were not deprived of their needs.
Jumar Soliven, a policeman in Pagadian City, carried an elderly PWD down a flight of stairs, aiding her in her journey to claim government financial aid. If only there was a Jumar to help 94-year-old Lola Magna of Bagong Silang, Caloocan who could not avail of the SAP because no one could help her fill out the necessary forms. She bewails: “Wala akong pamilya, mga anak ko, mga namatay na eh. Ako na lang ang natitira.” I remain hopeful that following that report, someone did come to the aid of Lola Magna.
By chance, today is also Mother’s Day. There are moms who as frontliners have not seen their children for months now and who cannot even celebrate Mother’s Day with their loved ones. They have sacrificed their personal happiness to fulfill their duty to the community. We think of mothers like Rosemarie Tirones, a customer care team leader of PLDT who had to miss her daughter’s 18th Birthday to ensure that internet services remain uninterrupted and field personnel were swiftly dispatched to immediately address connection problems. She was thinking of all the other people who relied on the internet to remain connected with loved ones and to keep services available to the public.
Brothers and sisters, these are just some of the ways by which ordinary citizens like us have made manifest the presence of God among us in this difficult time. As we continue to celebrate the risen Christ during this Easter season, let us pray for the gift of openness to God’s grace so that He may reside permanently in our hearts and that we will always be ready to make room for others in our lives. Through us, may God’s presence be felt in every corner of every home!
Sunday Gospel Reflections 