IT SEEMS everywhere, this violation of the Second Commandment: from the seemingly light expression “Susmaryosep” or “Josko” to the seriously blasphemous utterance of His name at the height of pornographic orgasm.
The commandment, lest we forget: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
It could be that our common expressions started prayerfully in the old days when most Pinoys were more religious. But these have evolved into habits that, over the years, lost all religious color.
Using “Josko” or “Susmaryosep” (a contraction of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph) may have become habitual, devoid of malice, but for those who know their Decalogue, there is still awareness of the wrongness of the expression.
Again, from the writings of mystic Maria Valtorta, let me share a quote from Jesus Christ on the Second Commandment.
Jesus said:
“I solemnly tell you that the perfect sacrilege is committed by the Israelite who with his impure soul takes the Name of the Lord in vain. His Name is taken in vain, when you are aware, and you are not fools, that you pronounce it in vain because of the state of your souls.
“Oh! I see the indignant face of God which disgusted turns elsewhere when a hypocrite calls Him or an unrepentant soul mentions Him! And I am terrified although I do not deserve the divine wrath.
“I read in many of your hearts this thought: “Well, with the exception of children, no one can mention God’s name, because in all men there is impurity and sin”. No. Do not say that. That Name is to be invoked by sinners. It is to be invoked by those who feel they are choked by Satan and want to free themselves from sin and from the Seducer.
“It is said in Genesis that the Serpent tempted Eve when the Lord was not walking in Eden. If God had been in Eden, Satan could not have been there. If Eve had invoked God, Satan would have fl ed. Always have that thought in your hearts. And call the Lord with sincerity. That Name is salvation.
“Many of you wish to descend into the river to be purified. Purify your hearts, unceasingly, writing upon them, by means of love, the word: God. No false prayers. No habitual practices. But say that Name: God, with your hearts, your thoughts, your deeds, with your whole selves. Repeat it that you may not be alone. Repeat it to be supported. Repeat it to be forgiven.
“Understand the meaning of the word of the God of Sinai: the name of God is taken ‘in vain’ when saying ‘God’ does not imply a change for the better. Then it is a sin. It is not taken ‘in vain’, when, like the beating of your hearts, every minute of your day, every honest deed, need, temptation, sorrow bring to your lips the filial word of love: ‘Come, my God!’ Then, truly, you do not sin mentioning the holy Name of God.
“Go. Peace be with you.”
