I am moving this blog to…

Dear friends,

I would like to say thank you for your interest in reading my blog. You know, this blog has been one of my ministries, my personal ministry to share about God through writings. I personally also grow my faith through literatures, through articles and books. So, I do lift up some prayers for this blog and its reader, hoping that there’s can be a single word that could be a light for one’s faith and fire for one’s love to God.

Starting this month, I am moving this blog to my private domain in internet. It is on http://blog.monjc.com. It is a part of my personal web http://monjc.com. And I also separate the articles and reflections about Theology of the Body and its practical application in daily life to http://beauty.monjc.com (just another blog).

   

new blog (http://blog.monjc.com)

new TOB blog (http://beauty.monjc.com)

thank you!

monica

Tags: new blog, new web

Faith, Hope and Love

Theological Virtues? Have you ever heard these words? Although it may seem unfamiliar, but I believe you must be familiar with Faith, Hope and Love. Yep. Faith, hope and love are the three theological virtues . It’s written in the popular reading of St. Paul, in the 1 Corinthians 13:13 (So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three…).

This three theological virtues is comparable to a tree. Faith as the root, hope as the stem or branch and love as the fruit or flower.

Faith

Faith is our helper. It’s the answer of the unanswered question. It’s the sight of what is unseen. It’s the voice of what is unsaid. Hebrew 11 talks a lot about faith.

What is the first thing that comes out from a sprout? Yes, a sprout will grow its root before growing its stem. As what St. Paul wrote in Colossians 2:6-7, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith…” As the plant need strong root, we need strong faith as our root in Christ.

Hope

Hope is always about expecting the best. As St. Paul wrote, it’s not a hope if it’s seen. We hope for what is unseen (Romans 8:24-25). Just like the plant won’t grow any stem without having a root, hope also will never grow if there’s no faith. Hope works together with faith. How deep our hope is also how deep our faith.

Love

In English, we have the word ‘love’. But in Greek, the word ‘love’ can be translated into 3 words Agape, Philia and Eros. And those ‘love’ translation have different meaning. Eros means intimate love, passionate love with sensual desire. Philiameans brotherly love or friendship love. Agape means unconditional love, which is commonly used to describe divine love.

And the original Bible language (Greek) used the word Agape in the theological virtue’s verse. The 1 Corinthians 13:13 wants to talk about loving God, and loving God as the greatest one above all.

How to love God? To answer this question we need to answer ‘How to grow a flower?’ Surely in growing a flower, a plant needs to grow its root and then it grows its stem. It takes time, it takes effort. So do us. If we want to love God, we should live in faith and hope. Our love to God will be tested through the time. Last but not least, remember it is “not that we have loved God but that He loved us…” (1 John 4:10)

Tags: 1 corinthians 13:13, agape, agape love, christianity, eros, eros love, erotas, faith, filia, hope, love, love god, philia, theological virtues

Camping Rohani, Tumpang, Malang 2011

“Ku Berharga Bagi-Mu”

Camping Rohani, Tumpang, Malang, July 18-24, 2011

Finally, I flew to Malang to have the youth camp. I’ve been dreaming to join this camp since 3 years ago. Well, here’s my story!

I went to Malang with 2 of my friends, Yayaw and Devi. With tight luggage and well prepared stuffs we went to Malang by plane. The camp site was in Pertapaan Karmel (Carmelite’s Hermitage), at Ngadireso. It’s in Tumpang village, near the city of Malang. The Putri Karmel Sisters lived there with the CSE Brothers. But during the camp, the CSE Brothers were not there, they have their celebration in the other Carmelite’s site, Cikanyere.

There are around 200 participants in this camp. The participants come from several provinces in Indonesia, mostly Javanese. The theme of this camp is ‘Ku Berharga Bagi-Mu’ or in English ‘I’m worthy to You’.

#1 day: Monday

We were picked up by mom’s friend. The driver drove us to the youth camp site. We arrived there in the afternoon, so we had plenty of time to rest and to go around the site before the opening Mass started. We were surprised to see the small (3×3) bedroom and the thin bed. It’s ok for me. I love the simplicity of small village and modest lifestyle of theirs. (Sick and tired living in the big city.)

Then, we had the opening Mass and introductory session in the night. The crews introduced the theme song of this camp and performed a mime play. I was touched and I love the theme song so much.

#2 day: Tuesday

Today was session’s day, because we had 3 teaching sessions. But in the morning we had ‘Doa Yesus’ (Jesus prayer – the meditation pray that say Jesus’ name only), yes this is my favorite prayer. But it was truly hard for me to go deeper and to put concentration in prayer. I don’t know why. Well, we’ll have another Jesus prayer on Thursday.

Jesus Prayer

Our first session was ‘Cinta Kasih Allah’ (God’s Love). Sessions was kind’a boring, you know. But the second and third session were not. The participants who had joined this kind of retreat (life in the spirit retreat) were separated. We got different teaching.

The second session was delivered by a Fr. Sugeng, a priest who looked like Bo Sanchez. He was extremely expressive. His joke was so funny yet deeply religious. He taught us about Courage – (I will write a special article for this. Wait for the ‘Courage vs. Brave’ article.) And the third session was delivered by a Sister. It’s about the three theological virtues, faith-hope-love. (Check out my Faith, Hope and Love article. Soon to be released.)

And we had the afternoon Mass celebrated by Fr. Sugeng. At the evening we had performances from the participants from Semarang and the surprising performance by the Putri Karmel Sisters. Such a funny play they performed. We went to sleep around 10 pm. A nice day.

#3 day

We had the nature meditation in the morning. We gathered around the Mary Cave. We contemplated on the nature around us. The view is awesome, the air is so fresh, the weather is cold, the sun shines brightly, the sky is blue, the soil is green, the plants are colorful and it’s so natural. I could feel God’s love though the nature that silently spoke to me.

Mary Cave

Three sessions were waiting for us. I was surprised that one of the sessions was about TOB – Theology of the Body. Fr. Benny Phang, O.Carm delivered this session. He taught the theory well, but not really much about chastity which is more easily to be understood. But I liked this session. He completely explained about the basic of TOB. He covered all main points of TOB, great!

One crazy thing I did on this camp is to be one of the altar server in the Mass. I’m not an altar server, but I was very interested in serving the Mass. The crews needed some altar server for the Mass. And I offered myself, without telling them that I’m not an altar server hahaha. I thought that today’s Mass would be an ordinary Mass, but it’s not! It’s St. Elijah’s feast, Carmelite’s primary saint. Wrrroww! There’re 4 server and we used the thurible in this Mass! I was shocked. I was chosen to ring the bell (gong) and to be in the front to serve the Priest.

This was my first Mass to be an altar server. I made several mistakes in the training and during the real Mass. Lol. I was so nervous. I could not concentrate in prayer well. Unfortunately, I have no any photo of mine on this first altar serving.

On the night we had Adoration, the one I’d been waiting for. The Sisters lifted up prayer softly and Jesus touched our heart softly too.

#4 day

We had Jesus prayer again in the morning. Still, it’s hard for me to concentrate well. I struggled in my prayer. I will try this prayer again after the camp. It’s a good prayer to reach our inner being / spirit.

Outbound! We had outbound today! We were spited up in 20 groups and we competed in 5 games. The games were exciting. At the end of the games, we were wet. Our faces were smudged with charcoal. And we’re tired. At last my group didn’t win. Well, I had a great group anyway.

Group 16!

By the way, we had a 3-hour break time to bath and to take rest on each day during the camp. Sometimes I took a nap, and on some days, I went to the Adoration room and stayed there for an hour. The best rest ever!

Chapel

We had Marian Mass. We had the Mass around the Mary cave. Fr. Simon, O.Carm led this Mass and passionately preach about Mary, knowing the Blessed Virgin through the Bible.

Mary Mass

 

At the evening we had the Taize Adoration. The same Adoration as yesterday’s but we sang the Taize song. Awesome Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament!

Decoration of the Altar for Adoration

#5 day

This is the ‘main’ day. The important sessions were held today, such as the repentance prayer, Sacrament of Penance, inner healing prayer and the renewal of Holy Spirit prayer. I opened my heart to the Lord. I’ve come this far and I wanted to throw away all sins, truly repent and truly healed. I opened my heart to Jesus and asked him to heal any wound I have in my inner heart.

And during the break time, I went to counsel. I talked with Sister Andrea about my regression of my spiritual life. I feel like I am walking in the place. And she explained to me about St. John the Cross spirituality about spiritual desolation.

 St. John the Cross is the spiritual mystic with his famous experiences of spiritual dryness. I am reading his book, the Spiritual Canticle. And I bought another book of him, The Living Flame of Love. St. John taught that spiritual desolation could lead us closer to God. During the desolation we experienced the lack of spiritual feeling or consolation. Well, I need to discern whether my spiritual dryness is the one that leads me closer to God or otherwise.

#6 day

We’re going home tomorrow! But I was not done yet with my heart. There’s something wrong inside. I counsel again to the Sister and she prayed for me. She told me to pray the inner healing prayer every day before going to bed. After she prayed for me, I feel better. I went to the Chapel again to have Adoration during the break time. I just sat there and silently looked at the Blessed Sacrament. And I felt much better after the Adoration.

We had the nature meditation in the morning and calling Mass in the afternoon. We also had several performances and an introduction to religious vocation by the Sisters and Brothers from various congregations. Fr. Benny, O.Carm led the Mass and shared the story of his vocation.

In the evening we had the campfire! Yey! We gathered outdoor. Before that, we were to ld to write a letter to Jesus and put the letter in a decorated box. And then we went outside, the crew lighted up the campfire. First, they burnt the ropes that hung to a piece of love-sign. When the fire reach to top of the rope, the love-sign was burnt and it fell down then burnt the decorated box. Awesome! We danced and sang around the campfire. We lifted up give thanks to the Lord!

campfire!

campfire burns!

dancing around campfire!

#7 day

We went home today! It’s the closing Mass and ceremony of the camp. Fr. Benny led the Mass again. At the end of the Mass, we released some balloons. And we’re flying home! Back to Jakarta and with grateful heart back to reality.

Thank you Jesus, You led me to join this camp. This camp is a renewal retreat for my heavy burned and desolated heart. I am renewed again, renewed in my spirit, in my mind and in my motivation to love Jesus. I happily go home, knowing that my great days are not only during the camp, but also during my daily life.

Before the camp, I was desolated, but still I have my awesome days filled with Eucharist and Jesus. And after the camp, I think I’ll start my new spiritual journey and more awesome days.

Oh, here’s the camp’s theme song:

Yesus ku selalu ada di hatiMu 
Sungguh kau pandangku berharga bagiMu
Di dalam setiap waktu hidupku
Tak sedetikpun kau tinggalkanku

Walau badai sungai dan api cobaan
yang harus kulewati dalam hidupku
Ku tak gentar tuk terus melangkah,
Karena kasihMu menopangku

Sumbu yang memudar tak Engkau padamkan
Buluh yang terkulai tak Engkau patahkan
Dengan sabar Kau angkat setiap ku jatuh
Betapa hatiku berterima kasih Yesus

Translated version:

Jesus, I always in Your eyes

You do see me worth to You

In every time of my life

Not a single moment You leave me

Though the strom, river and fire of trial

That must be passed in my life

I am not afraid to keep moving

Because Your love sustain me

A bruised reed You will not break

A faintly burning wick You will not quench

Patiently, You lift me when I fall

How my heart thank You, Jesus

Tags: camping rohani, camping rohani 2011, camping rohani mahasiswa, malang, pertapaan karmel, retreat, retret, SHDR, tumpang, youth camp

Mercy vs. Justice

In many situations of life we are in need of making a wise decision. Whether to enforce the justice or to follow the mercy from our heart. So do GOD. He has a very wide-deep-high mercy, but He also has a infinite justice. Seeing His beloved children falls sinning, He should decide whether to put on mercy or justice. And here how God works. But when God works, Satan disrupts His work.

 

Before human sin

Before we, human, commit a sin, Satan makes us think that God has a deep-wide-high-infinite mercy. So that God could (must) always forgives us. Satan uses God’s mercy to play with us, to tease us to go with the temptation. “God will forgive me if I do this or do that.” Or “God, I know you have a deep mercy on us, forgive me of doing this.”

After human sin

After we did a sin, what do we feel? Well, regret, sadness and guilt. This is good if we feel those ways. But Satan works too here. Now Satan tries to remind us about God’s justice. Justice always talks about ‘reward if you do well’ and ‘punishment if you do badly’. Satan tries to get us away from God with filling our brain with punishment, punishment and punishment for our sins.

Here the Facts

God does have mercy. God does have justice. He uses his justice not after we sin, but before we sin. That’s how we should think. There’s death behind the alluring sin. There’s a punishment behind the sin.

But if we fall and sin, God however still loves us. He hates sin, but He love sinners. No matter how bad we are, we are His children. He could never abandon us, even if we abandon Him. And here, after we sin, God reaches our hands again with His mercy.

God has mercy and justice. His justice and His mercy work in the right time. Remember His justice, get His mercy. Get blessed!

—

inspired from : Peter Kreeft’s Snakebite Letters

Tags: after sin, before sin, god vs satan, god's justice, god's love, god's mercy, guilt after sin, guilty, guilty sinner, infinite love, law of god, love, mercy, mercy vs justice, satan, satan manipulates, satan vs god, satan works, sin, vs

Seksualitas Manusia

Seksualitas Manusia

a)      Mengapa tidak boleh melakukan seks diluar nikah, masturbasi, atau menikmati pornografi? Bila seks itu dosa, mengapa seks diciptakan Tuhan?

• Seks (seksualitas manusia) merupakan suatu yang kudus. Hubungan seksual merupakan suatu yang kudus pula sebenarnya, tetapi bila dilandasi cinta yang murni. Untuk memudahkan, Paus Yohanes Paulus II menyebutkan 4 syarat suatu cinta dikatakan cinta yang sejati (true love). Empat syarat itu adalah Fruitful, Faithful, Total dan Free. Bila ada salah satu saja syarat tersebut yang dilanggar, tidak dapat dikatakan suatu cinta sejati.
• Hubungan seksual diluar pernikahan merupakan hubungan seksual yang tidak dilandasi cinta sejati. Tidak ada komitmen untuk mencintai seperti pada suami-istri. (Not Faithful) Hubungan seksual yang dilakukan diluar pernikahan merupakan dosa. Karena masing-masing hanya melakukan hubungan seksual untuk memenuhi egoisme masing-masing.

b)      Apakah masturbasi itu dosa? Apakah benar bahwa menurut medis, masturbasi itu sehat?

• Masturbasi merupakan dosa yang mendatangkan kematian (mortal sin). Pria yang melakukan masturbasi membuang mani begitu saja. Seperti kisah Onan dalam kitab Kejadian berikut, “Tetapi Onan tahu, bahwa bukan ia yang empunya keturunannya nanti, sebab itu setiap kali ia menghampiri isteri kakaknya itu, ia membiarkan maninya terbuang, supaya ia jangan memberi keturunan kepada kakaknya. Tetapi yang dilakukannya itu adalah jahat di mata TUHAN.” (Kejadian 38:9).
• Tetapi penyebab utama masturbasi adalah dosa yaitu karena dengan melakukan masturbasi, seorang seperti melakukan seks dengan dirinya sendiri. Seks tidak dilakukan sesuai kodrat ciptaan Tuhan, tetapi hanya untuk memuaskan dirinya sendiri.
• Tidak ada penelitian yang pasti (ada yang mengatakan sehat, ada yang mengatakan tidak sehat). Tetapi pembuangan mani yang diproduksi laki-laki umumnya dapat terjadi secara alamiah, tanpa rangsangan seksual. Secara logis, kita dapat berpikir, seorang laki-laki muda yang sering melakukan masturbasi, sering membuang maninya, sehingga kualitas mani saat ia benar-benar melakukan pembuahan tidak sebaik kualitas mani laki-laki yang tidak melakukan masturbasi.

c)      Apakah melihat gambar-gambar pornografi itu dosa?

• Menikmati pornografi adalah suatu dosa. Pertama karena pelaku mengambil apa yang bukan miliknya dari model yang ia lihat. Dan biasanya menikmati pornografi dapat berlanjut kepada masturbasi atau orientasi seks yang tidak murni, yaitu seks untuk mengambil sebanyak-banyaknya dari pasangan. Bukannya memberi tetapi mengambil.
• Kedua, secara mental pornografi merusak mental dan merusak kemampuan manusia untuk mencintai dengan murni. Pada otak penikmat pornografi terekam suatu kegiatan mengambil, mengambil dan mengambil untuk kesenangan diri sendiri. Pornografi juga merusak hubungan pernikahan. Seorang muda yang sering menikmati pornografi akan kehilangan kemampuannya untuk mencintai pasangan dengan murni dan tulus.

d)      Bagaimana dengan alat kontrasepsi? Mengapa Gereja Katolik begitu menentangnya?

• Seperti 4 syarat cinta oleh Paus Yohanes Paulus 2 diatas, hubungan seksual suami-istri yang menggunakan alat kontrasepsi menghapuskan syarat ‘Fruitful’ atau berbuah. Secara tidak langsung suami-istri membunuh kehidupan yang mungkin saja muncul dari hubungan seksual tersebut. Dengan menghindari beban menciptakan kehidupan ini, hubungan seksual tidak dilakukan sesuai kodrat semula, tetapi lagi-lagi hanyalah bentuk keegoisan pasangan suami-istri.

e)      Apakah Gereja Katolik juga tidak menyetujui teknologi bayi tabung? Apakah Gereja menentang teknologi-teknologi yang ada pada zaman sekarang?

• Gereja tidak pernah menentang suatu peradaban teknologi. Gereja mendukung kemajuan teknologi. Tetapi terkadang ada beberapa jenis teknologi yang dianggap tidak sesuai hukum Gereja dan tidak sesuai dengan kodrat manusia.
• Pertama, untuk membuat bayi tabung, diperlukan sperma dari pria. Maka pria pasti diminta untuk melakukan masturbasi. Masturbasi itu adalah dosa. Tidak semua sperma yang dikeluarkan dipakai. Sperma yang dianggap tidak berkualitas dibuang.
• Kedua, pembuahan pada bayi tabung tidak dilakukan secara almiah, tetapi oleh buatan tangan manusia. Padahal misteri penciptaan manusia itu adalah hak Tuhan, bukan hak manusia. Apalagi memilih-milih kualitas anak yang nantinya lahir.

Tags: akibat masturbasi, akibat pornografi, apakah masturbasi sehat, bayi tabung, cinta sejati, ftff, gereja katolik, gereja katolik tentang bayi tabung, gereja katolik tentang kontrasepsi, iman katolik, kontrasepsi, masturbasi, masturbasi sehat, onan, onani, penciptaan, pernikahan, pornografi, sakramen gereja katolik, seks, seks di luar nikah, seks katolik, Teologi Tubuh, true love, yohanes paulus 2