JOINT DECLARATION ON JUSTIFICATION ‘FOR US’

A commentary on the article of Fr. Rey Dela Cruz, SDB regarding the Joint Declaration of the
Catholics and Lutherans on the Doctrine of Justification

I. INTRODUCTION

I generally describe myself as a ‘pacifier’ and I usually prefer the simple and congenial

rather than the sophisticated but hostile way. To me, it is always a privilege to have a peaceful

context rather than a chaotic context. And in the article that we are tasked to comment, one thing

that I can describe is: I generally agree with the ideas of the author (i.e. Fr. Rey Dela Cruz,

SDB). Indeed, this joint declaration is one big encouragement for all of us, and I dare say for us

brothers in Semnaryo ng Don Bosco in particularly. It makes me reflect on the importance of

peace rather than citing who is wrong or right. Rather than condemning who is at fault, it is much

better to be at peace rather than be at war. One may be reconciled with another though not

necessarily in agreement to his or her estimation.

The three items that he proposed are logical, sound, and enriching. It’s not because he is

our professor that I am in favor of his opinions but it’s just that my views cohere with his. And I

actually like his proposed ideas. However, I would like to add something, especially on the part

of the biblical renewal. I would like to emphatically mention that it was ultimately the action of

the Holy Spirit that was at work. It was the Holy Spirit that inspired those scholars to pick up

their intellectual razors and tear into the rock solid world of biblical scholarship. It’s like the

time-honored principle of cause and effect—the Holy Spirit causing them to research and be

more enthused at studying even more deeply the Sacred Scriptures. It was the Holy Spirit who

made capable the minds of these scholars to come with such a beautiful synthesis. The effect was
worthy enough to be received by both sides of the spectrum. To me, this joint declaration must

not only be seen as a milestone but also as an unequivocal grace coming from the graciousness

of God Himself who focuses not our being intellectually correct but on our being persons created

by none other than Him.

I would like to comment on two particular items: (a), regarding the two models of d (b)

II. “ONE MIND, THEN HEART” OR “ONE HEART, THEN MIND”

As what I already mentioned above, I am very comfortable reading the first item that Fr.

Rey wrote. It is all about having proper disposition in settling a particular question. According to

him, there are two models of settling a conflict between two opposing parties. Since the Church

today prefers that of ecumenism, there might be more ways to resolve the existing rift between

different Christian churches. And I agree that one has to consider these two interesting ways of

solving a particular problem.

Reading this item makes me recall my memorable postnovitiate stint in Don Bosco

Canlubang. There was an issue in our class under Fr. Rene Lagaya, SDB concerning the different

levels or types of conversion. We were asked to agree as a class as to which of the three different

kinds of conversion is the most difficult. The ten of us did not have a unanimous vote. We were

trying to win each other’s opinions. A group said it is X that is the most difficult; another said Y,

while only one said it is Z. The group was divided—X, or Y, or Z. Meanwhile, since we are

supposed to arrive at a common decision, for two hours already we were trying to convince each

other by sound reasoning, conjuring all our philosophical ‘wisdom’ and by showing the logic of

our choices. Still, our minds were adamant to give in. Why? Each of us was convinced that his

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reasoning is the correct one and, of course, the best choice. Then we decided to have a

consensus: vote for the best possible choice and make the majority of the votes the group’s

choice. There was an objection by one of us. This single brother seriously compromised the

group by requesting that his name be excluded from the list because he would not agree to the

suggestion of voting for the choice. The main reason of his disagreement was that he was totally

convinced that his choice was the correct answer and, according to him must be chosen by the

group as the most difficult type of conversion. He was practically asking us to tell Fr. Rene that

he doesn’t agree with our (the nine of us) opinions. In the end, he was only made to agree but

was not actually convinced. And his agreeing to the consensus came at a cost. There were some

brothers who were already so irritated, nay indignant at him such that they walked out of that

particular meeting. This is a perfect example of “one mind, then heart” in that that single

confrere of ours could not be persuaded, let alone be happy with the group’s decision.

When the mind is at work, the tendency of the more educated but proud ones is to stick

their own minds, thus prolonging the agony of the quarrelling factions. If consensus seems to be

too elusive in this way, then why not have recourse to the second model, which is “one heart,

then mind”? This, I believe, is the easier method. It doesn’t only give much room for

improvement as far as mending severed relationships are concerned, but it also provides the

proper venue to communicate each other’s minds. In this way, there is a common ground for

each party and not each to his own turf. First, it is of utmost importance that there must be a clear

intention of settling particular conflict. In other words, the heart must be preconditioned to work

as a team. If not predisposed, then the person tends to use his reasoning prowess, which may add

to the intricacy of the issue. In this picture, I see the person of the Jesus Christ trying to gather

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his two younger brothers, or his two beloved people, to become friends and to work hand in hand

and not fist by fist.

If I will be asked to choose which model I do prefer, then my answer is “One heart, then

mind”. Obviously, as a person more concerned of peace and security, I am more inclined to have

a common ground. The right attitude is truly a significant factor for the process of reconciliation.

In another imagery, aside from that mentioned by Fr. Rey, it is similar to saying “Have a nice

trip” to a person: “Sige, ayo ayo ha!” in Cebuano or “Halong!” in Ilonggo. There is a big

difference in the formal equivalence but not in the dynamic equivalence. The former, when

translated to English, means “Ok, be good!” and the latter, “Good luck!” They both mean the

same but expressed differently. They have the same purpose but each is done in a unique fashion.

The doctrine on Justification may be expressed in different ways, each unique to its own,

by the Catholics and Lutherans but is ultimately concerned with one thing—the God who loves

us despite of our sins. What is good that I find here in the joint justification is that there is a

common understanding although not all. In the same manner as what Fr. Rey mentioned, God is

actually SOMEONE who is not as concerned of giving us the grace because we are being

‘malapit’ to Him as to justifying us because we are His Children. If one of His two sons is a

black sheep, as a good Father He does not disown him but rather keeps him as His own son,

waiting for His own conversion. In the same way does God continue to outpour His grace for us

and justify us not only because we do good things but by virtue of our being His, by virtue of our

being owned, created, and loved by Him. This gives me the chills because despite of my being

outrageously sinful, God still is ready to give accept me with open arms.

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III. AN AWESOME TENSION

When I first read this part I had an immediate dislike with the word ‘tension’ because of

some personal issues that are attached to this word (Hehehehe). But understanding in a clearer

way what Fr. Rey meant by ‘awesome tension’ made me feel more comfortable. I sighed in great

relief knowing that it actually is a very beautiful literature of expressing the mystery that is GOD

in that He continues to be overly generous to us while we too remain completely free to receive

the gifts he offers us. It is the working hand in hand with human freedom and God’s freedom.

Although we are only finite beings who depend mainly and only on God for our being and yet

with our freedom we are somehow independent from God in that we can choose whatever we

like without coercion from within or without.

It is also the seeming disagreement in the notion that God never ceases to be munificent

to us who in some way continue to refuse his generous offer due to sinfulness. We continue to be

“simul justus et peccator” because of a God who continues to love us despite of us! There is a

mystery attached to this reality! Of course, the typical human person automatically stops

communicating with an acquaintance or friend who has betrayed him or her. But this is not the

same with a Divine person; He never severs the thread of friendship or filiation with Him. It is

actually we who can choose to sever this wonderful relationship if we decide so.

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IV. CONCLUSION

Inasmuch as I am a brother who favors ecumenism, I humbly and warmly accept this

joint declaration between Catholics and Lutherans. It is really very important to have the right

attitude when it comes to matters such as this. One must gird himself with a heart that is pre-

disposed to peace and amicable settlement. Otherwise, it is useless effort to come to a common

ground and try settling things that are need a lot of reasoning and persuading to do. The joint

declaration, to me, is not only a milestone but a crystal clear grace coming from God Himself.

The mysterious blend of a generous God bestowing his gracious gifts to us, justifying us

amidst our frailty and sinfulness, and of an oft-rebellious human race is such a beauty to behold.

It inspires me not to fully comprehend this mystery or ‘awesome tension’ but to be more thankful

of God for His being faithful to His being (i.e. generous, loving, merciful, kind, and all

descriptions of being virtuous) and disregarding my own filthiness. To me, this is a God, Who

deserves more than my faith, hope, and love—He deserves my entire being. And I do hope each

person does the same.

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Submitted by

Bro. Gino Godinez, SDB