Nothing but You

“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”  ― Mother Teresa

First Reading: ZEP 2:3; 3:12-13

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law; seek justice, seek humility; perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger.

But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD: the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.

Responsorial Psalm: PS 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading : 1 COR 1:26-31

Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."

Gospel: MT 5:1-12A

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.  He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Reflection 
By Pietro S. Albano

Imagine yourself praying alone in church in front of a crucifix when all of a sudden, the statue of our Crucified Lord comes to life and tells you "You've served me well in the community. What do you want as your reward?". 

Would it be fame? Recognition? Riches perhaps? Or an easy life? 

A story goes that when St. Thomas Aquinas, a famous priest, writer, and theologian, was praying before the crucifix, Jesus spoke to him: “You’ve written well of me, Thomas. What do you want as your reward?" To which St. Thomas answered, ‘Non nisi te, Domine. Non nisi te.’ (Nothing but you, Lord. Nothing but you.)”. 

Choosing the Lord is easier said than done. It can be tough if we are full of ourselves. King Herod was full of himself that he wanted the baby Jesus killed. The Pharisees and Scribes were full of themselves which was why they plotted His death. Men and women full of themselves down the ages have thwarted the values that Jesus taught and stood for. If we are full of ourselves it would be difficult for us should our efforts be unrecognized. It would be difficult for us should a position or role or anything we have been so attached to be taken away from us.

St. Thomas emptied himself which was why he was able to choose and yearn for God and nothing else. Later on, he said “I can write no more. All that I have written seems like straw.” Perhaps he already had a premonition that Jesus will soon be fulfilling the reward Thomas sought for. Indeed, a few months on, he passed away. 

There is this line in a beautiful song which goes "Knowing that I love and serve You is enough reward." If we are active in the parish or any religious group, let's always bear this in mind: we are serving the Lord, period! If we humble ourselves we'll surely be counted among the blessed in today's Gospel.


Prayer

Lord Jesus, cleanse us from any pride and attachment so that we may always seek You in whatever walk of life we may be. One with St. Thomas Aquinas, we make this prayer. Amen.