Jesus had seen enough!

Binhi sang Pagtuo

March 29, 2010

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from Negros!*

Yesterday, Christianity celebrated Palm Sunday. The celebration coincided with the Baccalaureate and Graduation Ceremony of Central Philippine University.

Palm Sunday is celebrated because of the palms laid down by the people in the road during the triumphal entry of Jesus in Jerusalem. But in the midst of the joyful exclamation of the people shouting “Hosanna” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” “Hosanna to the son of David”, Jesus was grieving. Luke 19:41-42 says, “But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace…”

Jesus cried on what is happening in Jerusalem. He cried because he had seen enough. His eyes were full of compassion and care. His tears were tears of longing and yearning for Jerusalem to soften their hearts and open their eyes. Probably, Jesus was not hearing the words of “Hossana” but “crucify him” because days later they turned their backs on him and demanded his death.

The subject of peace is very relevant to us now. There is a lot of election-related violence that are happening in the Philippines nowadays. Jesus is crying because like the people of Jerusalem during his time on earth, people are not willing to listen to his way to peace.

Jesus is telling us to repent from our sins if we want peace. Repentance requires two things: first, admission of sin or guilt done to God and towards people; second, renouncing of that sin or guilt.

What follows after repentance is reconciliation. If we repent our sins, forgiveness and healing will then follow. The mark of our reconciliation is when we forsake our own will, our own self-interest and follow the will of God.

Reconciliation will result to transformation or change in our outlook on life and attitude towards God and people. Reform will happen.

When we complete the cycle of 3 Rs – Repentance, Reconciliation, Reform – the result is peace.

In this Holy Week, let us reflect on how we can contribute in bringing about peace. Let us not put tears in the eyes of Jesus. Let us follow Jesus’ way of peace.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Assistant Chaplain

*I just delivered a message in the Graduation Rites of South Negros Bible Institute (SONBI) in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental. SONBI is one of the bible schools of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches