The Rich Man and Lazarus (Instructional Minutes edition)

Introduction

In our World Literature class, we are now discussing The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. It seems fortunate that the Gospel reading last September 29, is on the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). I know that you have a lot of questions about what the Bible says about death, Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. I will try to answer these questions here, plus more, like if the spirits of the dead still return to the world of the living.

While PCU is a school owned by two Protestant churches—The United Methodist Church (UMC) and the United Church of Christ and the Philippines (UCCP)—most of you students are Roman Catholics. Of course, Catholics and Protestants have different beliefs about the afterlife. For example, Roman Catholics believe in Limbo (the First Circle of Hell in Inferno) and Purgatory. Meanwhile, a lot of Protestants believe that when a person dies, his/her soul goes directly into Heaven or Hell.

I will try to present what (I think) the Bible says on life after death according to Luke 16:19-31. But first I would like to appeal for a mutual respect for our beliefs. However in order to do that, what do Catholics really believe about Limbo, and Purgatory? What do Protestants believe about Heaven and Hell?

This sermon is divided into three parts: I. A picture of life (Luke 16:19-31); II. A picture of death (Luke 16:22); and III. A picture of life after death (Luke 16:23-31).

I. A picture of life (Luke 16:19-21)

There are two kinds of people in life. There are those who live in luxury like the rich man and there are those who live in poverty, like the beggar Lazarus. The rich man had: 1) a house, 2) fine clothes to wear; and 3) plenty of food. Meanwhile, the beggar had: 1) no place to live: he was left lying at the gate; 2) no food: he wanted to eat the leftovers falling from the table of the rich man; and 3) he was filled with open sores (skin ulcers), and he did not even have bandages to cover these (that is why the dogs are left to lick his sores).

But it should be quickly pointed out that there is nothing evil in being rich and there is nothing virtuous in being poor per se. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote in his sermon “The Rich Man and Lazarus” (Sermon 112)

And it is no more sinful to be rich than to be poor. But it is dangerous beyond expression. Therefore, I remind all of you that are of this number, that have the conveniences of life, and something over that ye walk upon slippery ground. Ye continually tread on snares and deaths. Ye are every moment on the verge of hell! “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for you to enter in the kingdom of heaven.”

II. A picture of death (Luke 16:22)

The great equalizer been the rich and the poor and the wicked and the virtuous is death. Mark Twain is famously said that no one can escape death and taxes. But while there are many who have managed to cheat with their taxes, no one can ever escape death.

The beggar died “and was carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom”. The text did not say he was buried: He might have been eaten by the dogs. (In the Bible, one of the worst ways to die is to be eaten by dogs, like Queen Jezebel, cf. I Kings 21:23-24; II Kings 9:30-37).

The rich man also died, and the Bible said he was buried. No doubt he was buried in a mausoleum, a rich man’s tomb. But it does not tell us what carried his soul to the afterlife. (Carried off by demons, perhaps?)

III. A picture of life after death (Luke 16:23-31)

A. Where do our spirits go after we die? The Bible says that when Lazarus died, the angels took him to “Abraham’s bosom” (or, to Abraham’s side). This is one of the ways that the Jews call Paradise. Paradise is NOT the same as Heaven. According to John Wesley,

It is, indeed, very generally supposed, that the souls of good men, as soon as they are discharged from the body, go directly to heaven; but this opinion has not the least foundation in the oracles of God: On the contrary, our Lord says to Mary, after the resurrection, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father” in heaven. But he had been in paradise, according to his promise to the penitent thief: “This day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Hence, it is plain, that paradise is not heaven. It is indeed (if we may be allowed the expression) the antechamber of heaven, where the souls of the righteous remain till, after the general judgment, they are received into glory. (Sermon 112)

In other words, Paradise is the “ante-room” of Heaven where the spirits of the righteous await Judgment Day.

Meanwhile, the rich man went to Hell, which is translated from the Greek word Hades. You can remember that in Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld and at the same time, the name of his kingdom. Hades is NOT Purgatory and it is NOT the same as Hell.

Purgatory is a place where the righteous are “purged” from their sins before they can enter into Heaven. You may recall in The Divine Comedy, the souls of those who were able to repent before they died are taken by the angels to Purgatorio. No one is directly taken up to Paradise! Only after the souls pass through the seven Terraces of Mount Purgatory will they be able to enter Paradiso.

Hades is also not the same as Hell. It’s also the “ante-room” of Hell, but not like Acheron in Inferno. Acheron is the place of the Uncommitted. Hades in the Bible is where the spirits of the unrighteous await Judgment Day until they are finally thrown into the Lake of Fire.

B. Are we conscious after we die? Some people believe that our souls will “sleep” in the dust until Judgment Day comes. But in the Bible, Father Abraham says that now Lazarus is being comforted. Meanwhile the rich man is now being tormented.

And the rich man is NOT unconscious. 1) He can see Abraham and Lazarus “afar off”. 2) he can feel the torment of the flames, so much that he wanted Abraham to send Lazarus “to dip the tip of his finger in water” and cool his tongue because he is being tormented in flame. And 3) he can even remember that he has five brothers who are still alive. (A lot of people have asked me if it’s true that we forget who we are and who our loved ones are after we die. My answer is NO.)

So are we conscious after we die? The answer is yes.

C. Can we change our destiny after we die?

1. Some people believe that there is still a chance for people to go to Paradise after death. But Abraham told the rich man that his request is impossible because “there is a great gulf” between them so that no one from either side can cross over to another (v. 26).

Roman Catholics believe that a person’s time in Purgatory can be shortened by offering prayers and Masses, and by buying Mass cards for the dead. (These are called “pardons” which are sold by “pardoners”, like the Pardoner in The Canterbury Tales). But I believe that the time to change our destiny is not after we die, but before we die, because the Bible says,

For he said, I have heard you in an acceptable time, and in a day of salvation have I succored thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2).

2. Some people also believe that it is possible for spirits to return from the dead. In the Aeneid, we read that the souls of those who were not buried properly are doomed to wander in Acheron because Charon would refuse to take them into the Underworld. The rich man now pleads to Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers who are still living. He knows that his brothers are just like him and that they are also headed for the place of torment. But once more, Abraham denies his request. The living, he says, already have the Bible (called the books of “Moses and the prophets” here) with them. If they do not listen to the Word of God, neither they will listen even to someone who comes back from the dead (vv. 29-31).

Conclusion

In life, there are those of us who live with the good things in life; while there are those of us who live with the evil things in life. Our condition is life is only temporary, because one day death shall come to each and every one of us. In death, some of us who lived in with the good things in life will tormented, and some of those who lived with the evil things in life will be comforted. Once we die, our destiny is fixed. No amount of prayer can save us once we are put in torment. The time to change our final destination is not after we die but now, while we are still living.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him, may not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

The New Canterbury Tales (PCU-Dasma edition)

When April arrives and Amihan the northeast wind brings moderate temperatures, little or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the east; then people long to go on pilgrimages to renowned shrines in various distant lands. And especially from every school’s end in Manila they make their way to Canterbury—I mean, Calamba—to seek the holy blessed hero whose novels are required reading in high school.

I was sitting by myself in Tabard Inn preparing for a pilgrimage to Calamba, Laguna, to the home of our national hero, Dr. José P. Rizal, “whose cranium was destroyed by bullets, but whose ideas destroyed an empire”. It happened to be that there are several other people there, who by chance have joined together in fellowship. When the sun had set at 6:11 pm, I was able to talk with each and every one of them until I was part of their fellowship. And we agreed to rise early when the sun rises tomorrow at 5:37 am to make our way to the place I told you.

The Philosopher comes from a well-known family. They are very powerful, influential, and rich. The Philosopher is a genius. He loves to read books and newspapers, especially those concerning political and philosophical issues. His family owns a lot of properties, establishments, etc. He is kind and generous. His only work is to manage his family’s businesses. Because he is powerful and influential, many people would come to him for help. That is why he knows a lot of issues and definitely knows everyone. And one good thing about him is that he never gossips. If he knows something about someone, it will only be between him and that person.

There are the Super Twins, Dorothy and Bell. Dorothy is as white as snow and as beautiful as the roses of the field. She is innocent and graceful. Many boys have asked for her hand but none were lucky. She is also known as “Dolly Dorothy” because she looks like a doll that came to life. She has porcelain-like skin: flawless, shiny, and white. She wears a pink floral dress and a pair of pink shoes to match her pink lips. When you see her, you’ll think you’re in heaven because she’s like an angel sent from above. But beauty is not her only strength. She can send for a rain of fire called “Lord of Vermillion”, a powerful magic that only Wizards can have. She also has the power to summon “Storm Gust” that can freeze enemies to death.

The original Dorothy. Photo courtesy of Vicky Tusing.

Her twin sister Bell is as brave and novel as a knight (in fact, she is a Crusader). She fights dragons, wizards, and even pirates from the sea. She is witty and all her strategies played out to her advantage. She wears a silver dress made of dragon scales called “the Great Valkyrie Set” which was made by Valkyrie herself. In the battlefield, Bell summons “Holy Cross” from the ground (but in exchange of her stamina). It usually kills only the undead but she is the only one who can use it to slay dragons. Her “Devotion” to Dorothy puts a barrier around her twin sister, so whenever Dorothy is attacked, she will not feel anything because all the damage is dealt on Bell.

The Minstrel is a simple lady who loves to sing and play the harp. She is an entertainer who travels from place to place, to sing and play her harp and bring joy to everyone. Through music she can express her real feelings. She has beautiful eyes, pinkish lips, and long, golden brown hair. She is also a good religious person; she never forgets to thank God for all the blessings she receives. She is extremely well-loved by many because she is adorable and kind. Her name is Aoede.

The hardworking Merchant comes from the province and travels to sell his goods like toys and handicrafts. He lives a simple life and works hard to provide for his needs, He is a poor man but he is rich in natural resources like rice, mongo beans, apples, vegetables, and all kinds of fruits.

The Doctor is a person qualified in medicine and treats people who are ill. She also has supernatural powers that can not only heal wounds but also broken hearts.

The Herbalist—scientific name Homo sapiens cannabis—is an expert in a wide variety of herbal products, like sedatives. He spends most of his time stoned and dozing. One of his routines is to meet up with his colleagues and fellow herbalists and they take a considerable amount of cannabis. The Herbalist hates work; he prefers to smoke instead. He is a free-spirited person. He may be stoned now be he is really a sociable and approachable person. He also eats and drinks a lot. He may look shady, but don’t mistake him as a fool, for there is there is more than meets the eye. (Personally, I would like hold up his picture and say, “SAY NO TO DRUGS”.)

The Traveler from South Korea has been to Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, India, China, the US, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He never gives up, he loves other cultures, he wants to know different languages and meet new people.

The Cowboy is like the knight of old but he wears no suit of shining armor, though they also ride on horses. He is brave and prudent and protects his land—the ranch.

There was a Nerd Guy with his pet, a Chimera Bunny. His pet can change into any form, like a minotaur.

Merchants nowadays go from house to house to sell goods. But this one is actually a Thief. She visits houses to promote and sell her products. But when the owner of the house is absent, she would steal everything in the house and quickly run away.

There were three Cosplayers who wear the costumes of their favorite animé characters. When they wear their costumes, they actually think they are the real character.

There was a Fashion Model who is also a travel blogger. As a model, she goes to different places around the globe and despite her busy schedule, she finds time to write a blog about her current location and of course, about beauty. The biggest misconception about her is that people think that she’s a serious, sophisticated kind of woman. But the truth is that she is fun, fearless female with a good sense of humor despite her fame and success. She also enjoys parasailing, cliff diving, surfing, and mountain climbing. She prefers to drive a big motorbike than a car. She believes that the hair is a woman’s crowning glory and she changes her hairstyle according to her moods. With her black and orange jumpsuit and green pumps, she is ready to go on the pilgrimage.

 

One of the pilgrims is a Rocker. He talks about how miserable the life of a rocker is. He is always judged as the black sheep of the family, a drug addict, and a war freak alcoholic. He always says that he has an imaginary friend and his mother would see him talking, laughing, or crying alone. Because of all of the bad things people say about him, their wrong judgment became real. He started taking drugs, drinking alcohol, and not getting the proper amount of sleep. He became stressed out with all the accusations so he abandoned his band and hid in a secret place where would be safe with his imaginary friend.

His name is Hammer Boy. He uses his hammer to kill innocent people. He would work for bad people and gets paid for doing bad things to others and he uses his power to make men suffer. (I pray that the pilgrimage will make him use his powers for the good.) I noticed that as Hammer Boy began to speak, the Thief at the back of the room blushed a bright red.

There was Soldier who fights for his country, at the same time a writer who wrote several stories on Wattpad and plays as a clown for children’s parties during his spare time.

The only robot pilgrim was Zoidberg, who can do whatever a human being can do. He saves damsels in distress. He is faster than an old style knight because he comes from the future—he has time-travel capabilities. He can also control lightning and electricity.

The female Squire wears a cape made of wood. She has the ability to freeze her enemies. She used to be a normal person until her family was killed. She is willing to do anything to help people in need. She would fight alongside her Knight until they fell in love.

There were several other pilgrims: Joy-Pop, who is a good dancer; the warrior Tiger the Great; an Archer named Eir Stegalkin; Nibbler the Protector, the Zombie Swordsman, Dora the Explorer, Hanamichi Sakuragi, a basketball player from Shohoku High School; Joy the joyful girl and Happy the happy girl; the Power Puff Girls; Lady Nature the Green Lady; a Priest, Mr. Technician; Prince Florante of Albania; a Police Officer; Misha and her friend the Distracted Student; a faith-healing Nurse; a Babysitter; a Fairy named Sarah; Mercarpenter, a minion who makes and sells wooden furniture; a Secret Agent; a Super Hero; an Angry Man (who I hope will learn how to smile) and a Knight from the Myanmar.

 

There were forty and four people in our fellowship, not including the Rocker’s imaginary friend.

The Philosopher rose and said to the company and said, "Now gentle people, truly you are heartily welcome to me, for I have not seen this year so merry a company at this inn at once. Therefore I will make you a game. If it pleases you all, tomorrow as you ride along, that each of you shall tell a tale on this journey to Canterbury—I mean, Calamba—and another on the way home. And whoever tells now tales most instructive and amazing shall have a supper at the expense of us all, sitting here in this place, when we come back."

We agreed to this thing and pledged our word with glad hearts, and asked him to do so, and to be our ruler and to remember and judge our tales, and to appoint a supper at a certain price.

In the morning, when the day began to spring, the Philosopher arose and woke us all, and gathered us. He said, “We will now draw lots to see who will tale the first tale.” The Rocker drew the shortest lot so it was he who will begin.

The Rocker began, “Once upon a time, there was a rocker who was always wrongly judged by people. One day the Rocker became distressed and he started taking drugs and drinking alcohol and not getting the right amount of sleep. He was stressed with all the accusations so he left his band. He went to a secret place where he can be alone with his imaginary friend. Then his mother got worried and decided to look for her son. She was praying all the way while driving. Then she arrived at their old house….”

Here ends the Prologue of this book.

Some of my students presenting their New Canterbury Tales characters in class. Photo courtesy of April Espinelli.

Fatayin ang "Filipinas"

Ano kaya ang masasabi ni Pres. Manuel L. Quezon dito?

Sa unang pagkakataon ay magsusulat ako ng blog entry sa Tagalog (at ito ay nakalathala sa dalawang blog ko: Ang Eat. PRAY. Sleep. at dito sa Instructional Minutes). Naglabas ng Resolusyon (Blg. 13-19 Serye ng 2013) ang Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino “na ibalik ang gamit ng 'Filipinas' habang pinipigil ang paggamit ng 'Pilipinas'. (Tignan din ang webpage na ito.) 

Sumulat ng isang editoryal na pinamagatang “Patayin ang ‘Pilipinas’” si Komisyoner Virgilio Almario (na unang inilathala sa Diyaryo Filipino noong 1992) na nagpapaliwanag kung bakit dapat “Filipinas” ang ating bansa. (Si Kom. Almario ay isang Pambansang Alagad ng Sining at karapat-dapat lamang ng aking paggalang. Patawarin niya nawa ang mga sasabihin ko.)
 
Una, gusto niyang “burahin” ang pangalan “Philippines” sa ating bansa. Ayon sa kanya, ang mga dating kolonya ng España tulad ng Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, Chile, atbp. ay di napalitan ng Ingles ang pangalan. Pero para sa akin, bakit kailangang “burahin” ang pangalang “Philipines” kung ito naman talaga ang pangalan natin sa Ingles? May mga bansa na may pangalang Ingles at katutubong pangalan, tulad ng India (Bharat), Greece (Hellada), Austria (Österreich), China (Zhōngguó) at marami pang iba. Kung may pangalang Ingles ang ating bansa, problema ba iyon? 
 
Dagdag pa rin, sinabi ni G. Almario na ang orihinal na pangalang ibinigay sa atin ng mga Kastila ay “Filipinas”. Ito rin daw tawag ng ating mga bayani sa ating bansa. Ang pangalang “Pilipinas” ay unang ginamit raw ni Lope K. Santos noong unang bahagi ng ika-20 siglo. Kaya ibinabalik lamang ang pangalan ng ating bansa sa orihinal. Kung tinanggihan ang pangalang “Philippines” dahil binyag nito na mga “imperyalistang” Amerikano, bakit naman hindi tanggihan ang pangalang ibinigay ng mga “imperyalistang” Kastila?

Ikalawang, para kay G. Almario, “kakatwa” na ang wika natin ay “Filipino” at ang bansa ay “Pilipinas”. Ano pong “kakatwa”rito? Pero nasanay na ako na tawaging Filipino ang wika at Pilipino ang tao (“Ako po ay Pilipino at Filipino ang wika ko”). Pero sa English, ang tao at ang wika ay pareho ang tawag, tulag ng Filipino, Korean, Japanese, at Chinese. At ang pambasang wika ng India ay hindi “Indian” kundi Hindi.

Inaamin din ni G. Almario at ng Resolusyon ng KWF na magiging magastos ang pagbabago ng mga pangalan ng mga ahensiya at pagpapalit ng mga karatula, pera, notepad, atbp. At asiwa nga kung ang UP ay tatawaging *”University of Filipinas” (o, *“Unibersidad ng Filipinas/Pamantasan ng Filipinas”?). :-/  

Para sa atin na mga taga-Philippine Christian University, ibig sabihin ba nito na tayo ay magiging *"Filipinas Christian University" o "FCU"???
 
Wala po akong makitang dahilan upang palitan ang pangalan ng ating bansa ng “Filipinas”.

“Pilipinas” ang pangalan ng bansa ng mga Pilipino. Di na kailangang baguhin ang ispeling n'yan. 'Ika nga sa Ingles, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”

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Ang pagpapalit ng KWF sa pangalan ng bansa na “Filipinas” mula sa “Pilipinas” ay maaring maging labag sa Konstitusyon.

Ang Kongreso, sa pamamagitan ng batas, ay maaaring magpatibay ng isang bagong pangalan ng bansa, isang pambansang awit, o isang pambansang sagisag, na pawang tunay na naglalarawan at sumisimbulo ng mga mithiin, kasaysayan, at mga tradisyon ng sambayanan. Ang nasabing batas ay dapat magkabisa lamang pagkaratipika ng sambayanan sa isang pambansang referendum. (Artikulo XVI, Seksyon 2. Dinagdagan ng diin.)

The Congress may, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national seal, which shall all be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the people in a national referendum. (Article XVI, Section 2. Emphasis added.)

Lumalabas sa Saligang Batas na tanging ang Kongreso (Ang Senado at ang Kamara de Representantes) ang maaring magpasa ng batas upang baguhin ang pangalan ng bansa! At ang batas na ito ay dapat pagtibayin sa isang referendum—kailangang ito ay pagbotohan sa isang pambansang eleksyon! Sa opinyon ko, nalampasan ng KWF ang kanyang saklaw sa pagpalit ng pangalan ng bansa, dahil ito ay nasa kapangyarihan lamang ng Kongreso at ng mamamayang Pilipino!

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Ihayag ang inyong opinyon tungkol sa isyu na ito. I-add ako sa aking Facebook account at sundan ang diskusyon sa hashtag #FatayinAngFilipinas.