4) 1st Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005.
Today is the special day for me because I have a group assignment of presiding class to present both rites of infant baptism and reception of a baptized Christian into full communion in the Eucharist/Mass. Fortunately in the morning there was no Amos class so that I could prepare myself for the presiding class. At 10.40 a.m. my group member, Joseph, a Holy Spiritan student, picked me up and we went to CTU. We arranged the 6th floor chapel of CTU for our practicum. We had time to rehearse the rites. Sharply at 1.30 p.m. the professor, Father Fragomeni came in to the chapel and we were about ready to begin. I was acting as a priest/presider, Joseph as a deacon who preached, Peter (an SVD deacon from China) as acolyte and Long Phi, svd as music minister (guitar). With the kindness and help of an Indonesian Catholic couple, namely, Darwin-Astrid plus their on year old son, Leonard, and Edi Liang, I could do this rites. I baptized Leonard and received Darwin into full communion of Catholic Church in this Mass. Overall the celebration that lasted 55 minutes was successfully running smoothly. Pascal Atumisi helped me tape this celebration with handycam. After having a break, we had evaluation of the celebration and the professor gave us praise and some suggestions. He gave us an A that made us happy as a group who has prepared it since a couple of weeks ago. There were some minor mistakes but not really significant to the general celebration. At 4 p.m. I invited Darwin-Astrid plus Leonard and Edy to have dinner at a Thai restaurant on 55th street. They gave me a ride to go home at Hyde Park, the Xaverian house. I am very satisfied by the result of today’s experience. What I have prepared with my group worked out very well done. My heartfelt gratitude to all of my group members and especially Darwin-Astrid who have come to my class and supported me in this presiding requirement with allowing Leonard, their son to be baptized. Thank you also to Edi who has been the godparent and sponsor.
I went home at 5.15 p.m. and joined the lectio divina in our community. At night I transferred the rite of infant baptism I did at CTU’s chapel into VHS tape so that I have memorable tape and I am going to share is as well to Darwin-Astrid.
At night I called up Paulus in the Xaverian philosophy Jakarta to ask him his final project. I congratulated him for his successful exam of his final thesis and keep pray for him to fulfill his test on December 5th for comprehensive exam. Good luck, Paul.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005.
In the morning I prepared the final paper of EMP class which due time on December 6th while I transferred my Indonesian Mass I did at Saint Therese Chinatown last Saturday and the infant baptism to VHS tapes. I am glad that finally I have done the big projects of presiding practicum, namely, three Masses that I have recorded in the VHS tape. It is important for me to review again when the priesthood ordination is going to happen in 2007 perhaps, so I will not forget how to preside the Mass. In the evening I attended EMP class in which there was a guest named Kathy Kelly (an Irish descent from Boston), whose rich experience dealing with social justice issue in practice. She has been traveling back and forth to Iraq for 26 times. She has experienced put into jailed for 60 times because of her hard voice of human rights. We had interesting class with her, not only theory but also simulation in creative ways.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005.
In the morning it’s snowing lightly but in the afternoon it disappeared. I attended Amos class in the morning and I did meet three professors to fulfill my assignment of practicing sacrament of reconciliation in my presiding class. First of all, I met Edmund Chia, then I met Father Paul LaChance, ofm in the cafeteria. I had plenty of time to do some annotated bibliography at the library for the presiding class and at 2 p.m. I met Father Ken O’Malley, cp to have the last confession. I was acting as a priest/confessor. I was struck by the action of Father O’Malley who was acting as a girl who confessed to me in a confession box with screen (part of the scenario). He directly speaking a lot of things without starting the sign of the cross….after he finished talking, I tried to explain that we missed the process of the confession, then suddenly he told me that he passed out/fainted. I couldn’t understand what he meant, but he was so kind explaining to me that it’s really happen in his own experience as a priest that a girl passed out in the box of confession, and I supposed to tell others who in line outside of the confession to help her. But, I didn’t really understand what’s going on until he told me this story. I didn’t need to repeat again but he is willing to write the evaluation. I’m glad of this new insight that I never heard and experienced, even in the class of presiding. I went home in the afternoon with happiness that I have done my three confession assignments.
Thursday, November 24, 2005.
Today is my birthday of 31st year and the fourth time I have in the U.S.A. It is coincided with the Thanksgiving Day in this country. What a beautiful and wonderful grace to be celebrated and remembered. We as community of the Xaverians at Hyde Park, went to Saint Therese Church for celebrating the Thanksgiving Day. We attended the Mass at 10 a.m. presided by Father Aniello and other Xaverian fathers. There were 11 Xaverian priests coming to this feast, from three different communities, namely, Saint Therese Chinatown, Franklin-Milwaukee and Hyde Park-Chicago. They are Fathers Michael, Aniello, Larry, Dominic, Adolph, Victor Moselle, Alfredo, Rocco, Victor Bongiovanni, Pascal and Willy. All 8 Xaverian students came as well (Alejandro, Denny, Ignatius, Dharmawan, Pascal, Harno, Valery and Francois). Father Michael and other volunteers cooked and prepared the food for this annual event. It is the first time I ever experienced the three Xaverian communities celebrating the Thanksgiving Day together. It’s a wonderful moment in fraternal togetherness as Xaverians that lasted shortly after the lunch. In the prayer before the meal, Father Michael led the prayer and mentioned the intention of my birthday.
Together with Dharmawan, I went to Edi-Lisa’s house and at 3 p.m. we went home at Hyde Park. In the evening again we’re invited to Edi-Lisa’s house to have dinner of SUSHI, Japanese food, made by two Indonesian couples (Edi-Lisa, Darwin-Astrid) plus Theresia. We went home at 10 p.m. while the weather was very cold.
Friday, November 25, 2005.
Today I did not go outside because the weather was very cold and in the evening the snow fell down adorning the white November season before Christmas. I enjoyed the day off and did little work on my paper of presiding class.
Saturday, November 26, 2005.
We had Mass still at 8 a.m. then had breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen. At 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. I met Father Rocco for personal formation (colloquium). I went to CTU to take a letter of the evaluation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation I did last Wednesday with one faculty member at CTU. The weather was very nice, much warmer than last days. While I came to CTU, I saw the five-floor CTU building is already put the glass windows. It’s pretty fast in building it. In the evening after the supper, I did a paper on the presiding class about My Self Understanding as a Minister of Reconciliation as I share at the end of this journal.
Sunday, November 27, 2005.
Today I woke up at 8 a.m. and we (Ignas, Dharmawan, Harno and Valery plus me) went to Saint Therese parish, Chinatown by car. I helped to serve at the Mass by distributing communion with Deacon Paul, svd. There’s no CCD/confirmation class today because of Thanksgiving holidays. At 11 a.m. there’s Mandarin Mass. From Darwin I got walkie-talkie that works very well. At 1 p.m. there’s Philippines-Italian wedding led by Father Michael at Saint Therese Church. At 3 to 4 p.m. I joined the meditation as usual guided by Father Michael then some of the parishioners gathered to plan the Chinese New Year celebration for next year. The weather was not that cold, around 46 degrees Fahrenheit and it’s just raining. I went home while the raining was stopped already. In the supper we celebrated my birthday (31). I got a blue shirt prepared by Pascal Atumisi. It’s been my 4th birthdays in the U.S.A. Afterward we (Father Rocco, Pascal Atumisi and I) met for liturgical team planning for tomorrow in a week.
Denny Wahyudi, S.X. (December 05, 2005)
Reflection on Presiding Class
MY SELF UNDERSTANDING AS A MINISTER OF RECONCILIATION
In my experience as a Catholic fellow, I have accustomed to come to the sacrament of reconciliation since I joined the Xaverian Missionaries in 1996 in Indonesia. The formators provided this internal forum for each one of us who were willing to confess our sins in monthly basis both in the novitiate and philosophy house. Before I entered the Xaverian, I was very seldom to come to this sacrament because I was hesitated and shy to confess my sins. After being a seminarian this spiritual practice slowly becomes my own habit even when I move to the U.S.A. for theology study. Even though here in the U.S.A. the formators normally do not provide priest for confession in monthly basis, but I have conviction that I should take care of this business by myself. I have self-conviction and self-confidence that if I do not keep this spiritual piety, I would not be a good confessor when I am being a priest someday. I have tried my best to go to Saint Peter Loop Church for this monthly personal spiritual act. After I take the presiding class this Fall Semester 2005 at CTU, I become aware of the ritual structure of the sacrament itself. Many times my professor, Father Fragomeni gave us examples how to be a good and effective confessor. I am glad that I know the ritual and memorize it by doing it in the practice with my friends. The more I practice it the more I get a custom to do it. Once I went to Saint Peter Loop Church, I learned of the priest who received my confession. The way he did the ritual reminded and led me to the ritual structure.
In my process toward priesthood, I have full conviction of the sacrament of reconciliation. It is simply that if I do not believe fully on this sacrament, why I should be a priest in the Roman Catholic Church. My conviction is that before I am really becoming a priest whose ministry of reconciliation, I should have a habit to go to confession. I experience how wonderful is the grace of this sacrament that I privilege to have as I do it monthly in the personal spiritual exercise. I was struck when I heard of one Canon Law professor at CTU who said that in his experience teaching at CTU, many seminarians who took his class had been long time did not go to the sacrament of reconciliation. He claimed that if one does not have a custom to go to confession, most likely one would not do a good job as a confessor. It is a rule of his that I do agree with. In the other source I have read mentions that the effective confessor is the one who likes to be a prayerful man. It is certainly making sense to me that a confessor should lead the confesee by his virtue and closeness to God. I have learned many times this rite by practice it in English but I do not know yet how to do it in Indonesian language. Probably, I will learn of this rite in Indonesian by reading the book of sacrament of reconciliation.
In my future ministry as a confessor, I should distinguish between sacrament, spiritual direction and spiritual counseling. I have some principles that I have to apply to this sacrament, such as, I have to be patient and full of compassion accepting others coming to the sacrament, to be a good listener, to be attentive to the case that a penitent tells to me, to be faithful to keep secret of the seal of confession, to be short in counseling after one confesses his/her sins, to be creative and helpful in giving the penance, to be aware of the time and place I give the confession, not to be rush or thinking many other things, to be meditative in serving this ministry, to see-hear-seek-love God in others who are willing to confess, to be aware that God is present in those people who come to the confession, to be humble before God and penitents with gentle voice and proper treatment, to have good desire and zeal to serve people who want to receive this sacrament that sometimes does not give a consolation or praise and reward of others because it is a hidden ministry that happens normally in a closed and screened box without knowing who come to the confession. I can say that if I fall into a laziness attitude to practice this ministry, most likely it is a sign that I do not love my vocation to be a priest any longer.
In my experience to do this sacrament of reconciliation as my professor assigns me to meet three other faculty members at CTU, I have done good jobs. In the beginning I have conviction knowing this rite very well and I was not nervous at all. I prepared a Scripture to read it at the confession (Romans 7: 14-25). In the first confession, I met a professor who gave me insight that I should give a penance heavier than only a prayer and good treatment toward the family of the penitent. I think it is a good input that I have to consider his/her proposal of doing the penance as my professor suggested at the presiding class. The second confession nicely I did in fully and complete structure. I was struck when the confesee told me that he is a priest and a professor at a seminary. But, luckily I could went through the ritual properly. The last one was really made me wondered and gave me insight to anticipate unexpected situation in a different setting of confession because he told me that it is a long line confession and he acted as a girl who was sick in breaking the law of God in keeping purity as a virgin, namely in the story she had intercourse with her boyfriend. In the scenario, she entered the confession directly talking and talking about her experience. After she finished talking, I told her that I should start with the sign of the cross then I was about ready to read the Scripture but she passed out without I knew it. I did not know that she was fainted because it was happened in a closed-screened box of confession. If I knew that she was fainted, certainly I would ask help of others who were in line outside for the confession. Most likely, if I did not hear her voice any longer, of course, I would ask help of others to see her or I would come out to check her what was going on at the other side of the confession box. It is a practical thing that maybe very seldom happening in the real life but it is a good insight I ever learn of the third person I have met at this act of confession. This is certainly the most unique one I ever have in this confession practice.
Overall, I learn how to be a good confessor as a priest in this presiding class. I know that now I have idealistic ways how to do the confession, namely, to be a good listener and good confessor but in reality I do not know what I am going to be when I will be a priest in near future. At least, by this reflection, I have dreams to practice my ministry as an ordained minister of the Catholic Church in proper and compassionate way. Like God, the Father who always waits for human beings to come to confess and ask blessing, so do I have to act likewise even though I am not a perfect man and I also a sinner who tries to serve God’s people through the ministry of the Church. In humility, good zeal, conviction and surrendering in God’s grace through the Holy Spirit, I believe I can carry this wonderful and privilege duty as ministry of the Church to help others to be closer to God in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Sunday, November 20, 2005
3rd letter of November 2005
3) 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 20, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005.
I attended the Amos class in the morning and presiding class in the afternoon. In the first part of the presiding class I met my group at 6th floor chapel to discuss about our infant baptism next week and the second part we had class at the founder’s room in which some classmates acted of the sacrament of anointing of the sick and the reconciliation. At 5 p.m. in my community Dharmawan led us the lectio divina. At night I revised my draft of Infant Baptism Rite.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005.
In the morning after having breakfast, I went to downtown, the blood center to donate my blood after waiting for three years. Eventually, I could donate it. I was so happy about it. The doctor who took care of me in the blood center is a young Philippines lady who also just lives in the US for three years. They took 500 CC of my blood, which is different with my experience in Indonesia. Normally in Indonesia every donation, I donated about 250-350 CC every three months. So far, I have donated my blood for 30 times. But, in the US I could donate my blood every 8 weeks or two months. After I run to get to a shelter bus, I was almost fainted but fortunately, I was conscious again. It happened maybe because I was running and the weather was little bit cold. I came home happily today after donating my blood and I felt healthier than ever. In the evening I attended EMP class.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005.
This morning I attended the Amos class and in the evening after supper, I went to SVD house to practice my Infant Baptism rite in the group. At 8.30 p.m. for the first time in this Fall season the snow was pouring down even though only for a moment. The temperature was pretty cold, about 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Celsius). After arrived home, I revised my draft of Infant Baptism and acceptance in to full communion Rites.
Thursday, November 17, 2005.
In the morning I attended the Inculturation and Dialogue class and we had presentation of our visit to Theravada temple. At night we had a community meeting discussing about the Theology of Mission in the Cosuma document. Today I received three VCD of Buddhist teaching from a Theravada monk whom I visited with my group a couple of weeks ago. The temple whose name Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu is located at Magnolia Avenue, North Chicago.
Friday, November 18, 2005.
At 9 a.m. Father Rocco led us the monthly retreat at our community. This time we reflected upon an article of Ministry and Spirituality. After personal reflection, we gathered again at 11.30 a.m. to share each other. In the afternoon I was cooking chicken, mash potatoes and rice. After the supper, I practiced to say Mass in Indonesian language with Harno at the chapel. Dharmawan helped me to set up the handycam camera for my Indonesian Mass tomorrow.
Saturday, November 19, 2005.
In the morning I did some work at the kitchen, cleaning the stove and laundry. I prepared things for my Indonesian Mass this evening at Saint Therese Chinatown. At 4.20 p.m. we (Ignas, Dharmawan, Harno, Atumsi and I) went to Saint Therese Church. After Father Aniello said the Mass at 5 p.m., I did my presiding class assignment, namely, presiding Indonesian Mass with the help of some Indonesian friends. Harno is the musician of organ, Lisa is the cantor, Marvin is the altar server, the cameramen are Dharmawan and Edi, then Ignas and helped me in the offertory of gifts and the faithful prayer. It lasts 1 hour and 5 minutes. Overall, it was well done and my professor, Father Fragomeni will evaluate it on December 5th. I treated the three Indonesian Xaverian at a Chinese restaurant at Chinatown to utter my gratitude for them who have participated and supported me at this presiding Mass.
Sunday, November 20, 2005.
In the morning at 8 a.m. with Valery, I went to Saint Therese Chinatown by CTA. As usual together with Cesare and Deacon Paul, I served at the 9.30 a.m. Mass then at 11 to 12 a.m. we were teaching the Confirmation kids; there were 4 coming at this class; Alex and Priscilla didn’t come. Cesare with his laptop and power point presentation explained the kids about the liturgical year then I explained how to serve as altar server at the Mass. At 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. I joined the meditation at the church guided by Father Michael and followed by two others ladies including Agnes. So, we’re only 4. I returned to Hyde Park and transferred my Indonesian presiding Mass to VHS tape (one hour and 5 minutes).
Here I shared my homily at this Indonesian Mass I have presided on Saturday, but in Indonesian language…..entitled “Paimo and Dinda.”
PAIMO DAN DINDA
Saat ini di Indonesia hidup dan kehidupan serba susah. Harga BBM naik akibatnya terjadi PHK di berbagai perusahaan. Salah satu yang terkena PHK adalah Paimo. Bulan ini Paimo tidak bisa lagi mengirim uang untuk isterinya di kampung halamannya. Ia hanya bisa mengirim surat. Isinya demikian:
Istriku Dinda Tercinta,
Maafkan Kanda sayang, bulan ini Kanda tidak bisa mengirim uang untuk kebutuhan keluarga di rumah. Kanda hanya bisa mengirimmu 1000 ciuman.
Yang paling tercinta,
Kanda Paimo.
Seminggu kemudian Paimo mendapatkan surat balasan dari isteri tercintanya:
Kanda Paimo tersayang terima kasih atas kiriman 1000 ciuman Kanda. Untuk bulan ini dinda akan menyampaikan laporan pengeluaran keluarga sbb:
Tukang minyak bersedia menerima 2 ciuman setiap kali membeli 5 liter minyak tanah. Tukang listrik mau dibayar dengan 4 ciuman per tanggal 10 setiap bulannya. Pemilik kontrakan rumah mau dibayar cicilan dengan 3 kali ciuman setiap harinya. Engkoh pemilik toko bahan makanan tidak mau dibayar pakai ciuman. Ia maunya dibayar dengan yang lain….Yah terpaksa dinda berikan saja.
Hal yang sama juga dinda berikan buat kepala sekolah dan gurunya si Udin yang sudah 3 bulan nunggak uang sekolah….
Besok dinda mau ke pegadaian untuk tukerin 200 ciuman dengan uang tunai, karena yang punya pegadaian sudah bersedia menukarkan 200 ciuman + bayaran lainnya dengan uang 650 ribu rupiah, lumayan buat ongkos sebulan. Keperluan pribadi dinda bulan ini mencapai 50 ciuman.
Kanda tersayang…bulan ini dinda merasa yang paling kaya di kampung karena sekarang dinda memberikan piutang ciuman kepada banyak pemuda di kampung kita dan siap ditukar kapan pun dinda butuhkan. Kanda, dari kanda masih ada 125 ciuman, apakah Kanda punya ide? Atau saya tabung saja yah?
Dari yayang tercinta: Dinda seorang.
Kalau kita menyimak bersama cerita Paimo dan isterinya Dinda dengan modal 1000 ciuman kiriman Paimo ini, pikiran kita langsung ke arah hal yang negatif yaitu melihat situasi Paimo yang sudah di PHK, ia hanya mengirimkan 1000 ciuman dan bukannya uang untuk isteri dan anaknya. Maka logika wajar kita mengarah pada inisiatif Dinda isterinya untuk menjual diri atau menukar ciuman dengan uang atau kewajiban lain yang harus dipenuhi.
Padahal kalau kita cermati bersama Nyonya Paimo alias Dinda ini orangnya cukup “accountable”, jujur dan terpercaya apa adanya, penuh dedikasi dan tanggung jawab akan segala yang ia terima dari suaminya, yaitu 1000 ciuman kiriman suaminya, Paimo ini tidak disia-siakan. Ia pakai untuk memenuhi kebutuhan rumah tangganya. Satu-per-satu perhitungan ciuman dari suaminya itu ditukarkan dengan kebutuhan pokok setiap harinya dari minyak tanah, tukang listrik, uang sekolah anaknya Udin hingga keperluan pribadi sang isteri. Bahkan sisanya pun berupa 125 ciuman masih disimpan sebagai cadangan untuk keperluan pengeluaran tak terduga. Lebih lagi sang isteri minta saran Paimo untuk apa sisa 125 ciuman ini. Singkatnya kalau kata “CIUMAN” ini diartikan sebagai kata kiasan dan bukan arti sesungguhnya yang ditafsirkan sebagai uang/materi/barang/talenta sang isteri sudah bertindak sewajarnya seperti bacaan I dari Kitab Amsal: “Isteri yang cakap siapa yang akan mendapatkannya? Ia lebih berharga daripada pemata. Hati suaminya percaya kepadanya, suaminya tidak akan kekurangan kentungan.” Dinda, Sang isteri ini sudah menjalankan perannya sebagai isteri, ibu rumah tangga dan peran sosialnya di masyarakat dengan penuh tanggung jawab. ISTRI = Istana Surga Tumpuan Rahmat Ilahi. SUAMI = Sumber akan Mendapatkan Impiannya. Ini pesan positifnya.
Namun, kalau kita melihat sisi negatifnya, “CIUMAN” kita artikan sebagai bukan materi atau uang tapi memang benar-benar ciuman, berarti hanya penghiburan moral semata, nalar kita lari pada tindakan sang isteri yang asusila dan tidak terpuji. Ia rela menjual ciuman, menjual diri pada banyak pria untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidup rumah tangganya. Bagaimana mungkin si isteri setia pada suaminya kalau ia sudah main serong dengan banyak pria lain untuk mendapatkan uang atau melacurkan diri? Kita orang beriman merasa risih mendengar cerita macam ini karena kita mengakui diri kita sebagai orang bermoral dan bersusila, melihat orang-orang yang bekerja sebagai pelacur semacam ini, kita cenderung menghakimi mereka tanpa melihat kasus per kasus bagaimana dan apa di balik perilaku asusila mereka. Kalau kita mau menganalisa lebih lanjut, pasti masalahnya kompleks dan rumit, tidak hanya menyangkut si pelacur tapi juga keluarga dan masyarakat bahkan negara ada di balik itu semua. Padahal dalam masyarakat kita ada orang-orang macam ini, menjual diri. Ada satu wanita di kota saya yang hidup dengan suaminya dan memiliki 6 orang anak yang memiliki wajah berbeda-beda. Orang sering bilang, “Wanita ini dijual oleh suaminya untuk mendapat uang guna memenuhi kebutuhan hidup rumah tangga mereka.” Kisah semacam ini menjadi bahan konsumsi laris-manis bagi orang-orang yang merasa dirinya lebih baik. Bukankah Yesus dalam Injil selalu mengutamakan orang-orang yang berdosa untuk diselamatkan seperti pelacur, pemungut cukai, orang kusta, orang miskin, sampah masyarakat dan minoritas lainnya? Pada akhir zaman orang-orang macam ini akan masuk ke dalam kerajaan surga terlebih dahulu daripada orang-orang yang menyebut dirinya sebagai orang yang kudus dan suci.
Akhirnya refleksi bagi kita adalah: Bagaimana kita menggunakan TALENTA/bakat/modal/ciuman/kasih/iman-harapan-kasih yang kita miliki dan diberikan oleh Tuhan secara cuma-cuma secara bertanggung jawab, berani ambil resiko dengan dasar kasih yang tulus ikhlas demi kebaikan semua dan tidak menyimpannya sendiri untuk kebutuhan pribadi? Intinya memberi dan diberi/ mencintai dan dicintai/ mengasihi dan dikasihi secara timbal-balik sebagi insan manusia memberikan MAKNA tertinggi dalam hidup kita seturut ajaran Tuhan kita Yesus. Semoga kita sekalian sungguh menjadi ISTRI (Istana Surga Tumpuan Rahmat Ilahi) dan SUAMI (Sumber akan Mendapatkan Impiannya) yang bijaksana untuk kebaikan keluarga kita bersama. Amin.
Monday, November 14, 2005.
I attended the Amos class in the morning and presiding class in the afternoon. In the first part of the presiding class I met my group at 6th floor chapel to discuss about our infant baptism next week and the second part we had class at the founder’s room in which some classmates acted of the sacrament of anointing of the sick and the reconciliation. At 5 p.m. in my community Dharmawan led us the lectio divina. At night I revised my draft of Infant Baptism Rite.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005.
In the morning after having breakfast, I went to downtown, the blood center to donate my blood after waiting for three years. Eventually, I could donate it. I was so happy about it. The doctor who took care of me in the blood center is a young Philippines lady who also just lives in the US for three years. They took 500 CC of my blood, which is different with my experience in Indonesia. Normally in Indonesia every donation, I donated about 250-350 CC every three months. So far, I have donated my blood for 30 times. But, in the US I could donate my blood every 8 weeks or two months. After I run to get to a shelter bus, I was almost fainted but fortunately, I was conscious again. It happened maybe because I was running and the weather was little bit cold. I came home happily today after donating my blood and I felt healthier than ever. In the evening I attended EMP class.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005.
This morning I attended the Amos class and in the evening after supper, I went to SVD house to practice my Infant Baptism rite in the group. At 8.30 p.m. for the first time in this Fall season the snow was pouring down even though only for a moment. The temperature was pretty cold, about 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Celsius). After arrived home, I revised my draft of Infant Baptism and acceptance in to full communion Rites.
Thursday, November 17, 2005.
In the morning I attended the Inculturation and Dialogue class and we had presentation of our visit to Theravada temple. At night we had a community meeting discussing about the Theology of Mission in the Cosuma document. Today I received three VCD of Buddhist teaching from a Theravada monk whom I visited with my group a couple of weeks ago. The temple whose name Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu is located at Magnolia Avenue, North Chicago.
Friday, November 18, 2005.
At 9 a.m. Father Rocco led us the monthly retreat at our community. This time we reflected upon an article of Ministry and Spirituality. After personal reflection, we gathered again at 11.30 a.m. to share each other. In the afternoon I was cooking chicken, mash potatoes and rice. After the supper, I practiced to say Mass in Indonesian language with Harno at the chapel. Dharmawan helped me to set up the handycam camera for my Indonesian Mass tomorrow.
Saturday, November 19, 2005.
In the morning I did some work at the kitchen, cleaning the stove and laundry. I prepared things for my Indonesian Mass this evening at Saint Therese Chinatown. At 4.20 p.m. we (Ignas, Dharmawan, Harno, Atumsi and I) went to Saint Therese Church. After Father Aniello said the Mass at 5 p.m., I did my presiding class assignment, namely, presiding Indonesian Mass with the help of some Indonesian friends. Harno is the musician of organ, Lisa is the cantor, Marvin is the altar server, the cameramen are Dharmawan and Edi, then Ignas and helped me in the offertory of gifts and the faithful prayer. It lasts 1 hour and 5 minutes. Overall, it was well done and my professor, Father Fragomeni will evaluate it on December 5th. I treated the three Indonesian Xaverian at a Chinese restaurant at Chinatown to utter my gratitude for them who have participated and supported me at this presiding Mass.
Sunday, November 20, 2005.
In the morning at 8 a.m. with Valery, I went to Saint Therese Chinatown by CTA. As usual together with Cesare and Deacon Paul, I served at the 9.30 a.m. Mass then at 11 to 12 a.m. we were teaching the Confirmation kids; there were 4 coming at this class; Alex and Priscilla didn’t come. Cesare with his laptop and power point presentation explained the kids about the liturgical year then I explained how to serve as altar server at the Mass. At 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. I joined the meditation at the church guided by Father Michael and followed by two others ladies including Agnes. So, we’re only 4. I returned to Hyde Park and transferred my Indonesian presiding Mass to VHS tape (one hour and 5 minutes).
Here I shared my homily at this Indonesian Mass I have presided on Saturday, but in Indonesian language…..entitled “Paimo and Dinda.”
PAIMO DAN DINDA
Saat ini di Indonesia hidup dan kehidupan serba susah. Harga BBM naik akibatnya terjadi PHK di berbagai perusahaan. Salah satu yang terkena PHK adalah Paimo. Bulan ini Paimo tidak bisa lagi mengirim uang untuk isterinya di kampung halamannya. Ia hanya bisa mengirim surat. Isinya demikian:
Istriku Dinda Tercinta,
Maafkan Kanda sayang, bulan ini Kanda tidak bisa mengirim uang untuk kebutuhan keluarga di rumah. Kanda hanya bisa mengirimmu 1000 ciuman.
Yang paling tercinta,
Kanda Paimo.
Seminggu kemudian Paimo mendapatkan surat balasan dari isteri tercintanya:
Kanda Paimo tersayang terima kasih atas kiriman 1000 ciuman Kanda. Untuk bulan ini dinda akan menyampaikan laporan pengeluaran keluarga sbb:
Tukang minyak bersedia menerima 2 ciuman setiap kali membeli 5 liter minyak tanah. Tukang listrik mau dibayar dengan 4 ciuman per tanggal 10 setiap bulannya. Pemilik kontrakan rumah mau dibayar cicilan dengan 3 kali ciuman setiap harinya. Engkoh pemilik toko bahan makanan tidak mau dibayar pakai ciuman. Ia maunya dibayar dengan yang lain….Yah terpaksa dinda berikan saja.
Hal yang sama juga dinda berikan buat kepala sekolah dan gurunya si Udin yang sudah 3 bulan nunggak uang sekolah….
Besok dinda mau ke pegadaian untuk tukerin 200 ciuman dengan uang tunai, karena yang punya pegadaian sudah bersedia menukarkan 200 ciuman + bayaran lainnya dengan uang 650 ribu rupiah, lumayan buat ongkos sebulan. Keperluan pribadi dinda bulan ini mencapai 50 ciuman.
Kanda tersayang…bulan ini dinda merasa yang paling kaya di kampung karena sekarang dinda memberikan piutang ciuman kepada banyak pemuda di kampung kita dan siap ditukar kapan pun dinda butuhkan. Kanda, dari kanda masih ada 125 ciuman, apakah Kanda punya ide? Atau saya tabung saja yah?
Dari yayang tercinta: Dinda seorang.
Kalau kita menyimak bersama cerita Paimo dan isterinya Dinda dengan modal 1000 ciuman kiriman Paimo ini, pikiran kita langsung ke arah hal yang negatif yaitu melihat situasi Paimo yang sudah di PHK, ia hanya mengirimkan 1000 ciuman dan bukannya uang untuk isteri dan anaknya. Maka logika wajar kita mengarah pada inisiatif Dinda isterinya untuk menjual diri atau menukar ciuman dengan uang atau kewajiban lain yang harus dipenuhi.
Padahal kalau kita cermati bersama Nyonya Paimo alias Dinda ini orangnya cukup “accountable”, jujur dan terpercaya apa adanya, penuh dedikasi dan tanggung jawab akan segala yang ia terima dari suaminya, yaitu 1000 ciuman kiriman suaminya, Paimo ini tidak disia-siakan. Ia pakai untuk memenuhi kebutuhan rumah tangganya. Satu-per-satu perhitungan ciuman dari suaminya itu ditukarkan dengan kebutuhan pokok setiap harinya dari minyak tanah, tukang listrik, uang sekolah anaknya Udin hingga keperluan pribadi sang isteri. Bahkan sisanya pun berupa 125 ciuman masih disimpan sebagai cadangan untuk keperluan pengeluaran tak terduga. Lebih lagi sang isteri minta saran Paimo untuk apa sisa 125 ciuman ini. Singkatnya kalau kata “CIUMAN” ini diartikan sebagai kata kiasan dan bukan arti sesungguhnya yang ditafsirkan sebagai uang/materi/barang/talenta sang isteri sudah bertindak sewajarnya seperti bacaan I dari Kitab Amsal: “Isteri yang cakap siapa yang akan mendapatkannya? Ia lebih berharga daripada pemata. Hati suaminya percaya kepadanya, suaminya tidak akan kekurangan kentungan.” Dinda, Sang isteri ini sudah menjalankan perannya sebagai isteri, ibu rumah tangga dan peran sosialnya di masyarakat dengan penuh tanggung jawab. ISTRI = Istana Surga Tumpuan Rahmat Ilahi. SUAMI = Sumber akan Mendapatkan Impiannya. Ini pesan positifnya.
Namun, kalau kita melihat sisi negatifnya, “CIUMAN” kita artikan sebagai bukan materi atau uang tapi memang benar-benar ciuman, berarti hanya penghiburan moral semata, nalar kita lari pada tindakan sang isteri yang asusila dan tidak terpuji. Ia rela menjual ciuman, menjual diri pada banyak pria untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidup rumah tangganya. Bagaimana mungkin si isteri setia pada suaminya kalau ia sudah main serong dengan banyak pria lain untuk mendapatkan uang atau melacurkan diri? Kita orang beriman merasa risih mendengar cerita macam ini karena kita mengakui diri kita sebagai orang bermoral dan bersusila, melihat orang-orang yang bekerja sebagai pelacur semacam ini, kita cenderung menghakimi mereka tanpa melihat kasus per kasus bagaimana dan apa di balik perilaku asusila mereka. Kalau kita mau menganalisa lebih lanjut, pasti masalahnya kompleks dan rumit, tidak hanya menyangkut si pelacur tapi juga keluarga dan masyarakat bahkan negara ada di balik itu semua. Padahal dalam masyarakat kita ada orang-orang macam ini, menjual diri. Ada satu wanita di kota saya yang hidup dengan suaminya dan memiliki 6 orang anak yang memiliki wajah berbeda-beda. Orang sering bilang, “Wanita ini dijual oleh suaminya untuk mendapat uang guna memenuhi kebutuhan hidup rumah tangga mereka.” Kisah semacam ini menjadi bahan konsumsi laris-manis bagi orang-orang yang merasa dirinya lebih baik. Bukankah Yesus dalam Injil selalu mengutamakan orang-orang yang berdosa untuk diselamatkan seperti pelacur, pemungut cukai, orang kusta, orang miskin, sampah masyarakat dan minoritas lainnya? Pada akhir zaman orang-orang macam ini akan masuk ke dalam kerajaan surga terlebih dahulu daripada orang-orang yang menyebut dirinya sebagai orang yang kudus dan suci.
Akhirnya refleksi bagi kita adalah: Bagaimana kita menggunakan TALENTA/bakat/modal/ciuman/kasih/iman-harapan-kasih yang kita miliki dan diberikan oleh Tuhan secara cuma-cuma secara bertanggung jawab, berani ambil resiko dengan dasar kasih yang tulus ikhlas demi kebaikan semua dan tidak menyimpannya sendiri untuk kebutuhan pribadi? Intinya memberi dan diberi/ mencintai dan dicintai/ mengasihi dan dikasihi secara timbal-balik sebagi insan manusia memberikan MAKNA tertinggi dalam hidup kita seturut ajaran Tuhan kita Yesus. Semoga kita sekalian sungguh menjadi ISTRI (Istana Surga Tumpuan Rahmat Ilahi) dan SUAMI (Sumber akan Mendapatkan Impiannya) yang bijaksana untuk kebaikan keluarga kita bersama. Amin.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
2nd letter of November 2005
2) 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 13, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005.
This week the liturgical team in our community is Father Rocco, Harno and me. I attended Amos class in the morning and at 10 to 11.30 at the Bernardin Center, our presiding professor, Father Fragomeni watched our videotape of the first Mass in English. Overall mine is excellent despite some gestures that need to be improved next time. at 1 to 3.45 p.m. I attended the presiding class and we learned how to give sacrament of anointing to the sick person. At 4 to 5 p.m. I attended the colloquia of MA comprehensive exam in which Mary Frohlich, the director of MA, Steve Bevans, svd and Angela, an MA student shared us how to prepare the comps exam. I came home late and joined the lectio divina of the community led by Father Rocco. In the evening Valery asked me favor to see how to choose the courses at CTU for the Spring semester 2006. Delightfully I told him what to do with it.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005.
At my room in the morning I did type my second paper of EMP class for today. While I was doing this paper, Harno came in my room asking advice of his study plan for next Spring semester 2006 and I shared what I know of the CTU system. In the evening I attended the EMP class and submitted my 16 pages paper.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005.
I attended Amos class then I met my M.Div advisor, Gil Ostdiek, ofm to ask his signature for my spring semester courses. I just need two more courses for M.Div program. I am taking three courses for the Spring including two MA courses while in the January term I am taking one capstone/seminar only one credit and one MA spirituality course for three weeks. After supper I studied the Chia’s class until midnight.
Thursday, November 10, 2005.
In the morning I had mid term exam of Chia’s class. Even though I have studied and memorized many things but in the essay questions I did not answer them satisfactorily. I have tried my best to learn of it but I guess my capability to memorize the subject is diminishing due my age. In the evening I cooked rice and Soto Betawi (a sort of beef soup) and pecel (vegetable salad with peanut dressing). The holy hour was led by Father Rocco and we shared our experiencing of someone who impressed us as a icon figure to experience Christ Jesus in our life. We had community meeting at 7.30 p.m. talking about the Cosuma document on Theology of Mission. I prepared the reflection at night for tomorrow’s Mass.
Friday, November 11, 2005.
In the morning Mass I was sharing my experience based on the Gospel today. The first question I addressed was how many days have you been living in this world? I shared that I have been living in this world about 11,350 days and I have been living in the USA for 1,100 days. From 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. my presiding group, namely, Joseph, cssp, Long Phi, svd and Peter, svd came to the Xaverian house to plan our group assignment, namely, the Infant Baptism and the rite of Full communion in the catholic church in the Mass. It will be held at CTU on Monday, November 21. Directly after we finished the discussion, I typed the whole rites in English and learned of it since I have role as a presider in this action.
Saturday, November 12, 2005.
Today is the third year of my stay in the USA. I uttered my thanksgiving prayer in the Mass and an exciting day for me because now I can donate my blood to Blood Center in the USA. There is a rule in the USA that I can donate my blood after living consecutively three years here because my country, Indonesia is a malaria risk area. With this promise and agenda, I went to downtown to give my blood. Ignas, Valery and Syafa took me there as they went to shopping. After I came to the building, unfortunately, it’s closed. So, I have to postpone it till Tuesday when I don’t have class in the morning. At least I have to be patient at this thing I have kept in mind since my first months I live in the USA. I went to Chinatown by CTA to buy mustard seed vegetable and went home. I did laundry and ironing my clothes. I was little bit dizzy maybe because my hope to give blood is delayed. I took a nap for a while and cooked rice and pork mustard seed vegetable soup (sayur asin baikut daging babi). In the evening I prepared lesson for the confirmation class tomorrow at Saint Therese church in Chinatown. I went to bed earlier since my headache was still going on.
Sunday, November 13, 2005.
Ignas took Valery and me to Saint Therese at 8 a.m. I met Father Mark Schramm, svd who came to the church to supervise deacon Paul, svd. At 9.30 Mass presided by Father Aniello, deacon Paul was preaching and I participated in distributing communion to the congregation, alternated Cesare, s.j. Father Michael goes to Boston to attend the Chinese Conference with George so Father Aniello presided all Masses. Soon after the Mass finished, I came to the basement to teach the confirmation class. Today all 6 kids came and I gave them a lesson about the Bible with interesting game. They did competition into two groups and it seemed that they enjoyed and bit nervous to win the game. This game worked in Indonesia and it worked as well here in the USA. I’m glad to know their enthusiasm to participate it. They are less trouble than the confirmation group I had two years ago with Petrus. Today there was Indonesian Mass presided by Father Rudi, osc at Saint Therese from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. I met some friends such as Sister Magdalena, SSPs who worked in Mexico City and knows very well Maryono, one Indonesian Xaverian student who studies theology in IFTIM, Mexico. There were about 60 people coming to this Mass. There was a celebration of birthday for Father Jack, c.m. and others who have birthday this month including myself. After the lunch, the Indonesian Catholic group of Chicago had meeting at Saint Therese. At 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. I did meditation with Agnes before the tabernacle. Normally, Father Michael does lead the meditation. Since he is not here today, so I led it as he told me last week. With the kindness of Mulianto, one of the Indonesian Catholic leaders in Chicago, I could go home at Hyde Park soon since I asked him favor to give us (Dharmawan and I) a ride. I returned home at 5.10 p.m. and Father Victor was very happy to see my arrival since he is waiting for me to cook for our community. Fortunately, from Chinatown I got some food, Chinese noodle that was given by Agnes. So, I just warmed it up together with Lasagna I have prepared this morning. In the evening I type this journal in order to keep my faithfulness in writing my story in this weekly journal. In the meditation today at Saint Therese, I was sleepy but after an hour meditation, I felt fresh and healthier than ever and my yesterday headache was gone.
Monday, November 07, 2005.
This week the liturgical team in our community is Father Rocco, Harno and me. I attended Amos class in the morning and at 10 to 11.30 at the Bernardin Center, our presiding professor, Father Fragomeni watched our videotape of the first Mass in English. Overall mine is excellent despite some gestures that need to be improved next time. at 1 to 3.45 p.m. I attended the presiding class and we learned how to give sacrament of anointing to the sick person. At 4 to 5 p.m. I attended the colloquia of MA comprehensive exam in which Mary Frohlich, the director of MA, Steve Bevans, svd and Angela, an MA student shared us how to prepare the comps exam. I came home late and joined the lectio divina of the community led by Father Rocco. In the evening Valery asked me favor to see how to choose the courses at CTU for the Spring semester 2006. Delightfully I told him what to do with it.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005.
At my room in the morning I did type my second paper of EMP class for today. While I was doing this paper, Harno came in my room asking advice of his study plan for next Spring semester 2006 and I shared what I know of the CTU system. In the evening I attended the EMP class and submitted my 16 pages paper.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005.
I attended Amos class then I met my M.Div advisor, Gil Ostdiek, ofm to ask his signature for my spring semester courses. I just need two more courses for M.Div program. I am taking three courses for the Spring including two MA courses while in the January term I am taking one capstone/seminar only one credit and one MA spirituality course for three weeks. After supper I studied the Chia’s class until midnight.
Thursday, November 10, 2005.
In the morning I had mid term exam of Chia’s class. Even though I have studied and memorized many things but in the essay questions I did not answer them satisfactorily. I have tried my best to learn of it but I guess my capability to memorize the subject is diminishing due my age. In the evening I cooked rice and Soto Betawi (a sort of beef soup) and pecel (vegetable salad with peanut dressing). The holy hour was led by Father Rocco and we shared our experiencing of someone who impressed us as a icon figure to experience Christ Jesus in our life. We had community meeting at 7.30 p.m. talking about the Cosuma document on Theology of Mission. I prepared the reflection at night for tomorrow’s Mass.
Friday, November 11, 2005.
In the morning Mass I was sharing my experience based on the Gospel today. The first question I addressed was how many days have you been living in this world? I shared that I have been living in this world about 11,350 days and I have been living in the USA for 1,100 days. From 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. my presiding group, namely, Joseph, cssp, Long Phi, svd and Peter, svd came to the Xaverian house to plan our group assignment, namely, the Infant Baptism and the rite of Full communion in the catholic church in the Mass. It will be held at CTU on Monday, November 21. Directly after we finished the discussion, I typed the whole rites in English and learned of it since I have role as a presider in this action.
Saturday, November 12, 2005.
Today is the third year of my stay in the USA. I uttered my thanksgiving prayer in the Mass and an exciting day for me because now I can donate my blood to Blood Center in the USA. There is a rule in the USA that I can donate my blood after living consecutively three years here because my country, Indonesia is a malaria risk area. With this promise and agenda, I went to downtown to give my blood. Ignas, Valery and Syafa took me there as they went to shopping. After I came to the building, unfortunately, it’s closed. So, I have to postpone it till Tuesday when I don’t have class in the morning. At least I have to be patient at this thing I have kept in mind since my first months I live in the USA. I went to Chinatown by CTA to buy mustard seed vegetable and went home. I did laundry and ironing my clothes. I was little bit dizzy maybe because my hope to give blood is delayed. I took a nap for a while and cooked rice and pork mustard seed vegetable soup (sayur asin baikut daging babi). In the evening I prepared lesson for the confirmation class tomorrow at Saint Therese church in Chinatown. I went to bed earlier since my headache was still going on.
Sunday, November 13, 2005.
Ignas took Valery and me to Saint Therese at 8 a.m. I met Father Mark Schramm, svd who came to the church to supervise deacon Paul, svd. At 9.30 Mass presided by Father Aniello, deacon Paul was preaching and I participated in distributing communion to the congregation, alternated Cesare, s.j. Father Michael goes to Boston to attend the Chinese Conference with George so Father Aniello presided all Masses. Soon after the Mass finished, I came to the basement to teach the confirmation class. Today all 6 kids came and I gave them a lesson about the Bible with interesting game. They did competition into two groups and it seemed that they enjoyed and bit nervous to win the game. This game worked in Indonesia and it worked as well here in the USA. I’m glad to know their enthusiasm to participate it. They are less trouble than the confirmation group I had two years ago with Petrus. Today there was Indonesian Mass presided by Father Rudi, osc at Saint Therese from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. I met some friends such as Sister Magdalena, SSPs who worked in Mexico City and knows very well Maryono, one Indonesian Xaverian student who studies theology in IFTIM, Mexico. There were about 60 people coming to this Mass. There was a celebration of birthday for Father Jack, c.m. and others who have birthday this month including myself. After the lunch, the Indonesian Catholic group of Chicago had meeting at Saint Therese. At 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. I did meditation with Agnes before the tabernacle. Normally, Father Michael does lead the meditation. Since he is not here today, so I led it as he told me last week. With the kindness of Mulianto, one of the Indonesian Catholic leaders in Chicago, I could go home at Hyde Park soon since I asked him favor to give us (Dharmawan and I) a ride. I returned home at 5.10 p.m. and Father Victor was very happy to see my arrival since he is waiting for me to cook for our community. Fortunately, from Chinatown I got some food, Chinese noodle that was given by Agnes. So, I just warmed it up together with Lasagna I have prepared this morning. In the evening I type this journal in order to keep my faithfulness in writing my story in this weekly journal. In the meditation today at Saint Therese, I was sleepy but after an hour meditation, I felt fresh and healthier than ever and my yesterday headache was gone.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
1st letter of November 2005
1) 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 06, 2005
Monday, October 31, 2005.
In the morning I attended Amos class and in the afternoon the presiding class in which Father Fragomeni explained about the Anointing of the sick sacrament. At night I did paper of EMP/ethic class for the group.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005.
In the morning I finished my paper of EMP and sent it via e-mail to my group. At 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. I met Father Rocco for colloquium/formation. At 4.30 p.m. I attended the Mass of the Feast of All the Saints at CTU. The liturgy was in the Asian style. After coming back home for supper, I went to CTU again to have EMP/Ethic class in which I got my first paper (75/75).
Wednesday, November 02, 2005.
In the morning I attended Amos class and in the afternoon I got a post card from my Indonesian friend, Angelina who was sending it from Fatima Shrine in Portugal. At night I wrote my reflection on the visit to a Theravada Buddhist temple a couple of weeks ago. I called up Edi and Darwin to ask favor attending my presiding class group on Monday, November 21 at CTU.
Thursday, November 03, 2005.
In the morning I attended Chia’s class on Inculturation and Dialogue. At night we had community meeting with topic of Cosuma document regards International Theology.
Friday, November 04, 2005.
In the morning my neck and head were nerved painfully. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. I met Father Rocco again for personal formation meeting. At 1 p.m. Ignas, Harno and I went to Syafa’s house to celebrate Ramadhan’s day (Muslim feast day). There were some friends there as well and we had lunch. We took Father Jack home at Fullerton. At night I did my paper of EMP/Ethic class. My neck was cured, no more pain.
Saturday, November 05, 2005.
Today is the feast day for the Xaverian Missionaries and we celebrated this founder’s day with Mass at 4 p.m. presided by Father Alfredo Turco in which we, the eight Xaverian students renewed our vows. We are Alejandro, Denny, Ignatius, Dharmawan, Pascal, Harno, Valery and Francois. It was attended by some guests from IRF program of CTU, friends of Father Willy, sx. Father Dominic and Father Larry from Franklin Community, Milwaukee took part as well in this celebration. I helped out Father Rocco preparing the supper as well as Valery. In the middle of the supper Father Aniello from Saint Therese Chinatown joined us in this annual family celebration. Congratulation as well to all students in the five Xaverian International Theology who celebrate this Conforti’s Day and renewal of vows. I know that there are about 80 Xaverian students scattered in five countries, namely, Parma-Italy, Yaounde-Cameroon, Chicago-USA, Manila-the Philippines, and Mexico City-Mexico. We started the Mass at our chapel at 4 p.m. and the feast lasted at 8 p.m. Altogether there were about 20 people at our celebration in Chicago.
Sunday, November 06, 2005.
In the morning together with Valery I went to Saint Therese Church. At 9.30 a.m. I attended the Cantonese Mass. From 11 to 12 p.m. at the Confirmation class, Cesare, s.j. was teaching the five kids about the Saints. I remained there to participate in the meditation led by Father Michael at the church before the tabernacle from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. There were 5 people in this meditation, namely Father Michael, Agnes, Edi and Lisa and myself. I came back to Hyde Park and at 6 p.m. I had meeting with Father Rocco and Harno teaming up as liturgical team for this coming week. After the evening prayer, supper and reading Amos reading, I make photocopy of Indonesian Mass for next two weeks in preparation to do my second assignment of Eucharistic Presiding in my Presiding class at CTU. I plan to have this Mass presiding in Indonesian Mass at Saint Therese Church in Chinatown, the 33rd Sunday Mass, on Saturday, November 19, at 6 p.m. after the Mass of Father Aniello. I invite some Indonesian friends, who live around Chinatown and ask favor of my Indonesian confreres to participate in music and songs.
Denny Wahyudi, SX
My Reflection of the Visit to the Buddhist Temple:
Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu
I am glad that eventually I could contact and make appointment with the Theravada Buddhist monk at Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu Temple, which is located on 4735 North Magnolia Avenue. A couple of times I called up this temple but nobody answered it. Once I got answer but the monk didn’t speak English and he asked a lady to answer me then the lady asked me to call up again later to a Buddhist monk who speaks English. At that time I was not quite sure who is the name of the monk but afterward I called up again I got answer from a monk who speaks English. His name is Bikkhu Ratana. I noticed that his name is similar with the name of the temple and exactly in the middle of the name (Phrasriratanamahadhatu). I knew this temple first time from a Xaverian priest, Michael Davitti who works in Saint Therese Chinese mission in Chinatown Chicago, then I found out on the Internet the website of this temple. It is interesting that the monk was very glad and welcoming us who want to visit and know them. It is a basic attitude of Interreligious Dialogue, openness toward others even otherness. It is exactly I have experienced when I visit Buddhist temple especially the Theravada Buddhist temple in Indonesia in which I ever had experience live-in for 6 days. Their basic behaviors such as humility, respect, warm welcoming and giving things to the guests are exactly the same I have known some of the bikkhus in Indonesia. I was thinking that I did a good choice to visit this temple. According to my research on the Internet, this Theravada Temple is the closest one from CTU so I proposed it to my group. There are two other temples but they are located little bit far away. A lesson of this experience is whenever I have a will and spirit to pursue something that is good I have to be persevering to do it day-by-day until the goal is attained. It can be done with many other things in my life. When I loose the spirit and will, I will lose orientation and fall apart destroying my goal.
One thing that I am impressed until now is that Bikkhu Ratana witnessed of this place where in the past it was very dangerous, a lot of gangs but after they chose this place becomes their temple, the surrounding neighborhood is changing gradually becoming safer and peace area. I could feel it when I entered their temple from the backyard, the peace atmosphere inside the house and the warm welcoming of the residents. Then, I remember one prayer of them saying, “may all creatures in the world will be happy.” I know this motto when I was living in the Theravada Buddhist temple in Central Java for six days. One of the monks explained to me that all creatures mean all human beings, plants, animals and even the dark power or satan or evil spirit. I was wondering that they ask this intention for all in the world regardless enemy or friends. Isn’t it the Christian teaching that we have to pray for others especially our enemies? My conviction is with their peaceful and harmonious spirituality they live it out in their lives, they influence to others especially the neighborhood surround them. I can see their full dedication on the Buddhist teaching and it is evident when Bikkhu Ratana gave us the Chanting Book for each one of us in the group and before we left, he gave us bananas and some cans of drink. I remember again the spirituality of the Buddhist that whenever they can do give to others, they will do earnestly. They believe in Karma. When I called him up to make an appointment, he answered me not to bring anything to give to the Temple. The spirituality of giving to others is really struck me as a Christian and a religious. Their generosity toward the poor and their compassionate action give me example to do so. Before we left, he tried to find a CD of the Buddhist Dharma/ teaching in English but he couldn’t find it and he asked our address for sending the CD even though until now I do not receive it but I have seen his generous and good will toward us.
Another thing I do agree is that when he explained that our goal as human beings is looking for wisdom in our life that is not from our study of books or pursuing degrees in PhD or master but in the wisdom of this life through awareness, meditation and doing good things toward others. It resonated to me that time because I was thinking of my life in the process of priesthood. It has been so far 9 years and I feel tired of study and not so much enhance my inner spirituality. Then, I reflect that all of our grace as human beings such as mind, body, spirit and soul should be developed in better ways day-by-day toward integration with the Creator that is God. This is our duty as human beings in the world that is not always easy to make balance and harmony of those areas because basically we are fragile and weak as human beings. I believe that the area of inner spirituality is the most fragile in my life. I am not always aware of what I am doing in daily activities. I tend to do prayer, Mass, eating, sleeping, going to school, reading, accessing the Internet and the e-mail mechanically without full attentiveness and mindfulness. That is why the meditation is very important according to Buddhist teaching. I have dream someday that I can make research on the meditation of Buddhist compares to Christian prayer/meditation.
Before we left the temple, I saw some ladies preparing food for the monk and I know that the monks will have lunch before noon. They only have meal in the morning and before noon. This is exactly what I have known about the timetable of the Theravada monks. That is why the monk, Bikkhu Ratana is available at 9 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. in welcoming us because after that and before noon he has to eat lunch together with other monks in his community. He recommended us to feel free to visit again and contact him if we need other things. Overall, I am satisfied of this visit and glad to write this little reflection.
Monday, October 31, 2005.
In the morning I attended Amos class and in the afternoon the presiding class in which Father Fragomeni explained about the Anointing of the sick sacrament. At night I did paper of EMP/ethic class for the group.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005.
In the morning I finished my paper of EMP and sent it via e-mail to my group. At 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. I met Father Rocco for colloquium/formation. At 4.30 p.m. I attended the Mass of the Feast of All the Saints at CTU. The liturgy was in the Asian style. After coming back home for supper, I went to CTU again to have EMP/Ethic class in which I got my first paper (75/75).
Wednesday, November 02, 2005.
In the morning I attended Amos class and in the afternoon I got a post card from my Indonesian friend, Angelina who was sending it from Fatima Shrine in Portugal. At night I wrote my reflection on the visit to a Theravada Buddhist temple a couple of weeks ago. I called up Edi and Darwin to ask favor attending my presiding class group on Monday, November 21 at CTU.
Thursday, November 03, 2005.
In the morning I attended Chia’s class on Inculturation and Dialogue. At night we had community meeting with topic of Cosuma document regards International Theology.
Friday, November 04, 2005.
In the morning my neck and head were nerved painfully. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. I met Father Rocco again for personal formation meeting. At 1 p.m. Ignas, Harno and I went to Syafa’s house to celebrate Ramadhan’s day (Muslim feast day). There were some friends there as well and we had lunch. We took Father Jack home at Fullerton. At night I did my paper of EMP/Ethic class. My neck was cured, no more pain.
Saturday, November 05, 2005.
Today is the feast day for the Xaverian Missionaries and we celebrated this founder’s day with Mass at 4 p.m. presided by Father Alfredo Turco in which we, the eight Xaverian students renewed our vows. We are Alejandro, Denny, Ignatius, Dharmawan, Pascal, Harno, Valery and Francois. It was attended by some guests from IRF program of CTU, friends of Father Willy, sx. Father Dominic and Father Larry from Franklin Community, Milwaukee took part as well in this celebration. I helped out Father Rocco preparing the supper as well as Valery. In the middle of the supper Father Aniello from Saint Therese Chinatown joined us in this annual family celebration. Congratulation as well to all students in the five Xaverian International Theology who celebrate this Conforti’s Day and renewal of vows. I know that there are about 80 Xaverian students scattered in five countries, namely, Parma-Italy, Yaounde-Cameroon, Chicago-USA, Manila-the Philippines, and Mexico City-Mexico. We started the Mass at our chapel at 4 p.m. and the feast lasted at 8 p.m. Altogether there were about 20 people at our celebration in Chicago.
Sunday, November 06, 2005.
In the morning together with Valery I went to Saint Therese Church. At 9.30 a.m. I attended the Cantonese Mass. From 11 to 12 p.m. at the Confirmation class, Cesare, s.j. was teaching the five kids about the Saints. I remained there to participate in the meditation led by Father Michael at the church before the tabernacle from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. There were 5 people in this meditation, namely Father Michael, Agnes, Edi and Lisa and myself. I came back to Hyde Park and at 6 p.m. I had meeting with Father Rocco and Harno teaming up as liturgical team for this coming week. After the evening prayer, supper and reading Amos reading, I make photocopy of Indonesian Mass for next two weeks in preparation to do my second assignment of Eucharistic Presiding in my Presiding class at CTU. I plan to have this Mass presiding in Indonesian Mass at Saint Therese Church in Chinatown, the 33rd Sunday Mass, on Saturday, November 19, at 6 p.m. after the Mass of Father Aniello. I invite some Indonesian friends, who live around Chinatown and ask favor of my Indonesian confreres to participate in music and songs.
Denny Wahyudi, SX
My Reflection of the Visit to the Buddhist Temple:
Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu
I am glad that eventually I could contact and make appointment with the Theravada Buddhist monk at Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu Temple, which is located on 4735 North Magnolia Avenue. A couple of times I called up this temple but nobody answered it. Once I got answer but the monk didn’t speak English and he asked a lady to answer me then the lady asked me to call up again later to a Buddhist monk who speaks English. At that time I was not quite sure who is the name of the monk but afterward I called up again I got answer from a monk who speaks English. His name is Bikkhu Ratana. I noticed that his name is similar with the name of the temple and exactly in the middle of the name (Phrasriratanamahadhatu). I knew this temple first time from a Xaverian priest, Michael Davitti who works in Saint Therese Chinese mission in Chinatown Chicago, then I found out on the Internet the website of this temple. It is interesting that the monk was very glad and welcoming us who want to visit and know them. It is a basic attitude of Interreligious Dialogue, openness toward others even otherness. It is exactly I have experienced when I visit Buddhist temple especially the Theravada Buddhist temple in Indonesia in which I ever had experience live-in for 6 days. Their basic behaviors such as humility, respect, warm welcoming and giving things to the guests are exactly the same I have known some of the bikkhus in Indonesia. I was thinking that I did a good choice to visit this temple. According to my research on the Internet, this Theravada Temple is the closest one from CTU so I proposed it to my group. There are two other temples but they are located little bit far away. A lesson of this experience is whenever I have a will and spirit to pursue something that is good I have to be persevering to do it day-by-day until the goal is attained. It can be done with many other things in my life. When I loose the spirit and will, I will lose orientation and fall apart destroying my goal.
One thing that I am impressed until now is that Bikkhu Ratana witnessed of this place where in the past it was very dangerous, a lot of gangs but after they chose this place becomes their temple, the surrounding neighborhood is changing gradually becoming safer and peace area. I could feel it when I entered their temple from the backyard, the peace atmosphere inside the house and the warm welcoming of the residents. Then, I remember one prayer of them saying, “may all creatures in the world will be happy.” I know this motto when I was living in the Theravada Buddhist temple in Central Java for six days. One of the monks explained to me that all creatures mean all human beings, plants, animals and even the dark power or satan or evil spirit. I was wondering that they ask this intention for all in the world regardless enemy or friends. Isn’t it the Christian teaching that we have to pray for others especially our enemies? My conviction is with their peaceful and harmonious spirituality they live it out in their lives, they influence to others especially the neighborhood surround them. I can see their full dedication on the Buddhist teaching and it is evident when Bikkhu Ratana gave us the Chanting Book for each one of us in the group and before we left, he gave us bananas and some cans of drink. I remember again the spirituality of the Buddhist that whenever they can do give to others, they will do earnestly. They believe in Karma. When I called him up to make an appointment, he answered me not to bring anything to give to the Temple. The spirituality of giving to others is really struck me as a Christian and a religious. Their generosity toward the poor and their compassionate action give me example to do so. Before we left, he tried to find a CD of the Buddhist Dharma/ teaching in English but he couldn’t find it and he asked our address for sending the CD even though until now I do not receive it but I have seen his generous and good will toward us.
Another thing I do agree is that when he explained that our goal as human beings is looking for wisdom in our life that is not from our study of books or pursuing degrees in PhD or master but in the wisdom of this life through awareness, meditation and doing good things toward others. It resonated to me that time because I was thinking of my life in the process of priesthood. It has been so far 9 years and I feel tired of study and not so much enhance my inner spirituality. Then, I reflect that all of our grace as human beings such as mind, body, spirit and soul should be developed in better ways day-by-day toward integration with the Creator that is God. This is our duty as human beings in the world that is not always easy to make balance and harmony of those areas because basically we are fragile and weak as human beings. I believe that the area of inner spirituality is the most fragile in my life. I am not always aware of what I am doing in daily activities. I tend to do prayer, Mass, eating, sleeping, going to school, reading, accessing the Internet and the e-mail mechanically without full attentiveness and mindfulness. That is why the meditation is very important according to Buddhist teaching. I have dream someday that I can make research on the meditation of Buddhist compares to Christian prayer/meditation.
Before we left the temple, I saw some ladies preparing food for the monk and I know that the monks will have lunch before noon. They only have meal in the morning and before noon. This is exactly what I have known about the timetable of the Theravada monks. That is why the monk, Bikkhu Ratana is available at 9 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. in welcoming us because after that and before noon he has to eat lunch together with other monks in his community. He recommended us to feel free to visit again and contact him if we need other things. Overall, I am satisfied of this visit and glad to write this little reflection.
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