NOT BESO-BESO July 24, 2020

Before the pandemic, there used to be what I call the “Beso-beso” part at the beginning of church services, where, to call to assembly, we sing songs to welcome the brethren and each other, shaking hands, doing cheek-bumps as the bare minimum of a kiss or peck on the cheek, hugging a little, a smile here and there.  This is also a good way to watch people, and see those who might have some beef with each other, and who might not be sincere.  Often we observe those kinds who, when they are about to cross the one they have some resentments against, cross to the other aisle.  It is both funny and pathetic because it defeats the whole purpose of the exercise.

I believed then that it is a sort of a vision of what the future would be, as described in the book of Isaiah chapter 11, or what some scholars say as the picture of the world in perfect peace and harmony.  Sadly though, until now, this vision still remains an ideal, for even within the family, there are always disagreements and oftentimes conflict.  The “Beso-beso” proves ineffective against rebellious children and resentful parents, or deep misunderstandings between couples, or conflicts between workmates.

Even during this pandemic and in many disasters and tragedies humanity has experienced throughout history, in spite of a call to unite, and in spite of all kinds of organizations set up to encourage nations to cooperate with each other, there are always conflicts, so-called economic and political wars and disagreements.  There are nations that exploit others or infringe on boundaries, whether physically or administratively.  During our “season” these days, there are even those who fastidiously obey the health protocols on the wearing of mask, disinfecting and social distancing, while there are others who flaunt their disobedience to such, calling it a violation of their human rights, abuse of police power, and unlawful military rule.  It looks like a lack of unity is exacerbating the millions of rising cases each day.

But in the Word we read today, in the book of Psalms chapter 133, we read what happens when people truly come together in unity, when in humility they work together to achieve a common goal and strive to diligently live at peace with one another.  It is one of the shortest chapters, containing only three verses, but it holds a very clear lesson for us all:  when people live in unity with another, it is a good and pleasant thing, it is like a precious ointment poured upon people that runs down even to the end of their garments, and it is like a dew that rises up even to the mountains.  Therefore, it is both nourishing for everyone, and like ointment, it heals, soothes, and preserves life and relationships. 

But I wonder why the “dew rises up to the mountains”, that is Mt. Hermon and Mt. Zion.  In our home in the province, I only saw dew on the blades of grass, and they are in the plains, not on top of the mountains, although I know there is dew in the mountaintops too.  But then we learn from the latter part of the third and last verse why the dew, the condensation of plants, must rise up.  Because like all of creation, plants too worship their Maker in some way, and for them to rise up, they must have known that “…for there the Lord commanded the blessing: even life forevermore.”

Christianity believes that the Ten Commandments were given by GOD to Moses in Mt. Sinai, of the Arabian dessert.  A dessert may be barren, but GOD chose to pour out His mercy and grace upon that land, to flow to all people, as a message to us today.  Indeed, a life lived in disagreement and conflict with others, having no respect for each of our individual characteristics, is uninformed, devoid of wisdom, barren and unfruitful.  But when one strives to keep and maintain the peace, plans succeed, relationships are strengthened, respect and love are maintained, and there is grace in whatever endeavor.  These cannot come from  “Beso-beso”, but genuine care and concern for one another.