BS022 JOHANNINE WRITINGS

Bro. Gino Godinez, SDB March 15, 2011

MUSINGS
“…If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples.” Jn 8:31

T hree boring years is like hell! But three meaningful years is like heaven! While I
haven’t reached yet the apex of my Salesian career, I can already say this is very
true! Three years: that’s the duration that I’ve been here in Seminaryo ng Don
Bosco (SnDB), under the tutelage of competent and brilliant formators and professors of Don
Bosco Center of Studies (DBCS). And I when I look back, it seemed like it was just yesterday
when I stepped on these hallowed grounds. I have had quite a number of moving experiences,
albeit the sporadic difficulties.

Among my prized acquisitions is the love for scriptures. And I am proud to say this
has aided me a lot as I go into the depths of my studies, reflections and pastoral formation all
for my own well-being and future ministry as a cleric. My ordination to the diaconate is
looming: within thirty days only! And I can say I have developed that love for the Word of
God in many ways than I ever imagined.

Those that I find useful in this subject, with all the previous scriptural courses at the
background, can be categorized into two: (a) personal, and (b) pastoral. These two, however,
are so deeply intertwined that they are almost intrinsically united. The more personal
experiences with Scriptures are already the pastoral impetus. Hence, as I write these
wonderful experiences, I am already both personal and pastoral sides.

Writing songs based on Scriptures

I have been in a wonderful love-relationship with lady-music for quite a while now! I
have been composing songs since I was a college seminarian. Normally, I would only provide
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the melody of a pre-made text. And my lyricists were usually friend-poets belonging to my
own batch, or anyone else generous enough to offer his or her talents for me and for the
community. But when I became more familiar with the scriptures, then I gained more
confidence to explore writing songs on my own basing upon beautiful scriptural passages. I
began doing it when I was a second year theology student. And the rest is history.

Now, I’ve been having inspired moments, time and again, that I can now make songs
quite comfortably and easily based on the scriptures, especially when I am high-spirited. For
instance, during my week-long perpetuandi retreat in Batulao last summer, I was able to pen
three songs in all. They were all based on the psalms. I was so elated at the feeling of being
welcomed into Christ’s bosom—in the context of perpetual profession—that I couldn’t stop
taking hold of the guitar inside my room, while rephrasing some of the scriptural texts and
then made songs out of them. Then during this present academic year I wrote two songs again
based on the psalms.

Now that I’m enrolled in Johannine writings, I am planning to compose one or two
based on the Gospel itself, or on one of the letters of John. I hope to share my compositions,
including future ones, for the use of the apostolate that others may find continue to be
attracted to the Lord through music. It has been my dream to record my songs for the use of
the congregation, for helping the young reflect and become better Christians. I always pray
that this will come to fruition.

Prayer and Reflections

I have discovered the richness of Scriptures also within those three years. I never had
the time to appreciate the impact of scriptures in my life until I began my theologate. And
whenever I am given the opportunity to reflect and reflect using scriptures, I always treasure
it. I feel very at home with the Word of God as my starting point in writing reflections,
especially those which resonate with my personal tussles. When I read the Gospels, for
example, at times I realize that that oft-quoted line has something new to tell me, which I
haven’t heard yet.

For example, the famous passage from the Gospel of John has not ceased in making
me rethink about my baptismal commitment: “For God so loved the world that he gave his
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only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
(3:16)” I used to stand in awe at the very fact that God loves all of humankind so much. But I
gained some new insights somehow: (a) on God’s personal love towards me, and (b)
consistency in my believing the one whom God sent, Jesus Christ. At least the second point is
something new to me. I am now compelled to give justice to my Christian Baptism. How do I
act as a true believer, especially as a professed Salesian? This has been one of my earnest
concerns at present. I continue to ask this query especially that the threshold of the Holy
Order is fast approaching!

Preaching the Word

Just recently, I was given the opportunity to reflect on the Assumption of Mary in my
Homiletics class. And what can I say? Scriptures have been a helpful partner. I felt that every
time I prepped my sample homilies, the Holy Spirit provides for an illuminating presence. By
reflecting on my own life vis-à-vis Mary’s, I can attempt to find meaning behind this
wondrous mystery of her Assumption. In her lifetime, she truly lived the word of God! She
affirms her own son’s very words, “More blessed still are those who hear the word of God
and keep it! (Luke 11:28)” Because of this she was granted the greatest prize of all–eternal
happiness. Mary became the perfect disciple, forever, of Jesus. She’s the perfect listener of
Christ’s words, “…If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples. (John 8:31)”

I am a learner – a disciple – of Christ! And I wish I could still move closer to the
inner circle of Christ’s friends by obeying him and keeping his Words, so that I may be as
what Christ taught, “You are my friends, if you do what I command you. (John 15:14)”
Becoming his friend means salvation! And this salvation leads to true happiness. It all begins
when we accept God into our life. And I want to share to others this simple aspiration of
becoming Jesus’ friend!

One of my resolutions as I step upon the diaconate is to apply what I’ve learned in
Scriptures. I want to be an effective preacher of the God’s word that I don’t want to miss
hitting the target. I want to drive home the point to my would-be listeners as clearly as
possible. I will prepare my homilies well by pondering upon God’s words profusely well and
read as many commentaries as possible. Yet I wish I won’t be doing this for my own
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glorification but only for God so that the people who will be listening to me will learn to
appreciate the teachings of the Church not purely my own.

Recommendations and Suggestions for Improvement

With regard to the substance and depth of discussion of my professor, Fr. Jun
Lingad, SDB, I can say is kudos! The exegesis and reflections on any given passage is
without rival! I love the opportunities given to us to speak out our hearts and minds
during the class when we are given the microphone. The well-animated class lectures
and interactions are also a perfect method of teaching. I don’t get bored in Fr. Jun’s
class at all. It’s not like the other professors who could be perfectly boring that it’s
useless to even listen to the first few words, not to mention their monotonous voices!

I also feel the genuine concern of a great mentor towards his pupils, not only
in scriptures but in life. At the same time, I appreciate the occasional anecdotes that
have always been narrated with color and life, especially his encounters with great
persons during both his old and recent past! In this class, we can always breathe the
air of Salesianity, in his examples, language and points to ponder upon.

However, I prefer that we would be able to cover a lot more topics than the
one we had this semester. Although I understand clearly that it’s our task to read the
text of the scriptures personally, I also believe Fr. Jun should let us listen to his own
thoughts and discussions on all of the Johannine writings especially now that we
have in him an expert in the field—a rarity within this life time I suppose. I’m not
mentioning the pending discussion on the book of Revelations.

Moreover, since Fr. Jun offers an intensive look at the text I believe it is
advisable to give time for short breaks. Although there has never been a problem for
longer breaks (i.e. recess period), what I wish is that we pause every hour or period.
This is not only for giving Fr. Jun ample time to rest but also for us students to relax
and be able to masticate and absorb well the rich discussion we just had during the
hour.
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Thank you very much Fr. Jun for giving me the chance to express all this!