It’s More F.U.N.

Ever tried your hand at learning a new game or sport? I recall how dad would get us siblings together to play mahjong once a year. We started out a bit reluctant because we were not familiar with it. Thus, these annual matches lasted way after midnight because it took a while for dad to re-orient us with the pieces and explain the rules of the game.

Since he was the only one familiar with this ancient Chinese card game, we simply followed his instructions and tips. Every now and then we would show him our pieces so he could coach us when it was the right time to say “pong” or “kang”. At the beginning it felt awkward because it seemed that dad was the only one enjoying himself. To his credit, I don’t think he ever took advantage of us beginners.

Little by little, we got more familiar with the rules of mahjong. It felt good to confidently proclaim a “pong”and our spirits rejuvenated to play beyond midnight when someone shouted the much-coveted cry of victory: “mahjong!” We got more competitive and there was no knowing when the game would end until mom came in and said, “game over, guys!’ Augh! Just when we were beginning to ‘master’ and enjoy the game.

In the life of faith something similar occurs. The life of faith is not only about winning, but also enjoying oneself in the process of achieving victory in the end: going to Heaven! Life here on earth, our Lord as well as the saints taught, would be man’s greatest failure if he did not choose to live it to go to Heaven.

Like mahjong, our faith also requires that we learn and master its tenets well. Sadly, there are those who see ‘norms,’ ‘rules,’ and ‘demands’ as the boring and static part of this supernatural gift. This constricted view is often due to ignorance and also to one’s unwillingness –to be more exact, selfishness– to complicate one’s life. It’s like being reluctant to play Bridge because of the many rules one needed to learn beforehand. Thus, one prefers an easier alternative or may even decide not to play at all, and if ever to only play and enjoy by himself.

Although rules are not the main object of any game, they are instrumental in ensuring fairness and determining what will merit a reward or a penalty. There can be no game without rules. Thus, St. Paul reminds Timothy, “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Likewise, the authenticity and the rewards of a life of faith are determined by one’s faithfulness and sincerity to live its demands.

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves of one of our Lord’s most wonderful legacies to his Apostles and then handed down to us: the new commandment.

Recall how Jesus clearly stated a rule: “a new commandment I give to you!” If we stopped here we could imagine how the disciples would have reacted: “Oh no! Not another rule, Lord!” But Christ continued: “that you love one another, as I have loved you!” Yes, Jesus clearly gives them a new law, but it is no longer one that says ‘do this!’ or ‘don’t do that!’ Instead, Jesus’ love becomes the standard if we wish to be known as His disciples.

When one puts love in everything he does –in what is great or small–, then one no longer sees the ‘apparent’ burden of rules or regulations. He understands that at the beginning, these ‘commands’ are and will always be relevant to guarantee the authenticity of his love and commitment. Christ, however, further reveals that here the condition is no longer just any law, but is one set according to the example of how He has loved us. His words invite us to exceed ourselves in our correspondence. His law of love is not written in words, but a life lovingly sacrificed for us on the Cross.

Perhaps, we can further illumine why this new law is necessary if we are to be Christ’s disciples. St. John’s Gospel points to an essential detail: Christ handed this new commandment to His Apostles precisely after Judas left the Upper Room. I think this is a crucial point: Judas was unwilling to comply with the new rule our Lord was going to entrust to us so we can live our faith in Him in a new way! Instead, this unfortunate man preferred the darkness of his own selfish ends over the light of Christ’s love for His beloved friends. Judas wanted to play his own game with his own selfish rules. And this led to his tragic demise.

Thus, Jesus was encouraging His Apostles, as He does with us today: Faith Up Now! It is a call to be genuinely eager to learn and experience our Catholic doctrine in this Year of Faith. This will help us to launch towards the adventure of individually examining and plotting out faith opportunities or how we can best live our faith within our unique personal circumstances (i.e. in the family, work, leisure, etc.)

This, however, is only the beginning of what we hope to develop through a F.U.N. series. In the upcoming articles we will discuss salient points of our Creed and how to joyfully engage the world through our faith and with the light of our joyful commitment attract others to the splendor of Christ and His Church.