ROME, Italy, Oct 21, 2012—In an apparent effort to reach out to the younger generation, Bishop Patricio Buzon used pop culture references to describe how the “door of faith” is a portal to the mystery and life of God Himself.
“Back to the Future”, back to faith
Speaking during the second Triduum mass to celebrate the canonization of Bl. Pedro Calungsod, Buzon said faith is similar to the DMC-12, the time machine Michael J. Fox’s character used to travel back in time in the movie “Back to the Future”.
Borrowing the imagery of the door used by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in his Apostolic Letter, Porta Fidei, Buzon said believers are also like Thor, who comes from the home of the Norse gods, Asgard, in the movie “Thor” and who is able travel to earth through the Bifrost Portal.
Catholics, on the other hand, are also called to cross over from an ordinary human existence to a life lived with God through the portal of faith.
Holiness, an amazing possibility
Buzon added in amazement, “And [faith] does not only bring us into the divine presence but immerses us into the life of communion with God. Like a tiny drop we are united and absorbed in the infinite ocean of divinity. Isn’t that amazing?”
Instead of a celluloid fantasy, Buzon points to the even more dazzling destiny of everyone who has faith—holiness or wholeness.
He then went on to outline three ways believers can strive to live holy lives: 1) conversion; 2) union or friendship with Jesus and 3) love.
Steps to wholeness in Christ
“But if Christ is to live in me, if he is to enter into my life, I must give him space…To live God’s own life, I must die to myself,” he said, explaining why conversion or committing to turn to God as the most important person in your life is the first step to wholeness.
Buzon, who is also a member-bishop of the Episcopal Commission on Youth, said to be a friend of Christ means to nurture the friendship with learning more about the faith, reading Scripture and receiving the sacraments.
The last step to holiness is to love others, even the lowliest people or those difficult to love.
Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo celebrated the second Triduum mass at the Jesuit church of Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Gesù all’Argentina or the Church of the Gesù in Rome, Italy.
Over a thousand pilgrims attended the mass. [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]
