B: 3rd Sun of Advent (17 Dec 2017) - TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES - Jn 1:6-8, 18-28

The Baptism of Jesus is presented in the Synoptic tradition (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) as conducted by JBap (John the Baptist) himself. Every Christian knows this by heart. However, in today’s gospel it will be noticed that this baptismal act on Jesus is not explicitly mentioned in the FG (Fourth Gospel = Gospel of John). What we only find is JBap’s reflections on Jesus’ primacy and ministry.

In the Johannine narrative, henceforth, it is unclear whether Jesus was baptized by JBap or was even baptized after all; it is only partially implied in Jn 1:33. But one thing is for sure, despite this narrative lack, JBap is presenting his testimony (“marturia” in Greek) that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. In fact, out of the 47x that this Greek lexeme is found in the FG, 7 of these are used to refer to the activity of JBap in chapter 1. What our gospel today underlines is the importance of the testimony of first-hand witnesses. Thus, traditionally, those who die for the Christian faith are called “martyrs” because they witness and testify boldly to Jesus’ lordship at the expense of offering their very lives.

Last December 12, the 17th Philippine Congress voted in favor of the request of the president to extend the Martial Law in Mindanao to another full year, followed by the Senate’s similar approval. It is still a puzzle for most how and why it was granted when Article VII, Section 18, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution clearly states that it can only be invoked as a last resort “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it”. With the actual invasion in Marawi ceasing a month ago, it is an overkill to extend it merely for the reason of eradicating totally all forms of rebellion (including the communist party) in Mindanao—a deviance to the original intent, i.e., destroy ISIS-inspired terrorism. This, however, is based on a paranoia, rather than on actual large-scale violence. But our own apprehension then enters: What difference does it make when a similar fear is wantonly magnified to the entire country? Not far from reality, this becomes a prelude to a similar imposition on the whole nation, and much more, for the next 5 years as long as Duterte sits as the commander-in-chief.

Now, that it has been extended, we ordinary Filipinos are just hopeful that good things will happen, or, at least, no abuses on human rights will be committed. However, the contrary is recalled to us by a multitude of victims of the 9-year Martial Law under the Marcos regime. As a matter of fact, Amnesty International states that “about 70,000 people were imprisoned while 34,000 were tortured, and 3,240 were killed during the Martial Law from 1972 to 1981”. This is on top of the fact that there were also numerous methods of tortures attributed to this period [see: https://www.rappler.com/nation/121365-torture-martial-law-marcos-regime]. These evidences began to be heard only during the C. Aquino administration—at least some 5 years after—when witnesses were already safe to go out to the open. Presently, we may not hear yet of any abuses by the Duterte-endorsed Martial Law, but 5 years from now when a new leadership comes, the same chorus may similarly be unpacked. And at that time, we have only ourselves to blame for repeating the same mistakes of the past.

The Advent Season is anticipatory of the Christmas joy (Gaudete Sunday). This gladness is based on the testimonies of witnesses; foremost today is the testimony of JBap.

Appropriately, we, at the moment, may not hear of present witnesses recounting the horrors of Martial Law. But those of three decades ago already witnessed vividly to these. May we not be too naïve to ignore outright what transpired in history, and act as if these were the most glorious years of our nation. Otherwise, we will soon remember this warning lucidly when we become first-hand “martyrs” ourselves.

- Rex Fortes, CM