14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
08 July 2018
| Second reading 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 |
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In order to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”
So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.
By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores
Do you feel proud whenever Manny Pacquiao wins over his opponent on the boxing ring? How about when Pia Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015? Do you look up to the achievements of Lea Salonga in Miss Saigon and Lisa Macuja in ballet? Yes, of course! We, Filipinos take pride and celebrate the successes of our “kababayan” worldwide.
Unfortunately, Filipino pride is contrary to today’s gospel reading as Jesus was bluntly dishonored in His hometown. His credibility and family history were questioned by those who heard Him teach in the synagogue. They looked down on Him and took offense at Him. As a result, He was not able to perform any mighty deed in His native place, apart from curing a few sick people by laying His hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Faith, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church is our adequate response to God. We are called to completely submit our intellect and will to God the Revealer. Of all the wonderful things that God has made, the salvation that Jesus has offered, and the guidance given by the Holy Spirit, the only way to repay His goodness is to have faith and believe in Him.
Through faith, miracles happen. I bet you already heard testimonials of healing, conversion, and answered prayers. These beautiful stories were fulfilled because of people's unshakeable faith. They never doubted that Jesus can help them in their adversities and petitions. They have given their full confidence and relied heavily on God’s power. Faithful as ever, God did not disappoint them. He allowed them to experience His overflowing love and generosity. If only the people believed in Jesus at that time, they could have experienced more and great miracles compare to other towns in Israel.
On the other hand, as people come and go in our daily lives, we are challenged whether to look at them as blessings or threats. If we let envy win our hearts, chances are we fall like the doubting fellows of Jesus Christ. Because of envy, they could not accept that someone like Jesus Who is also a native of their place will rise up as a good and righteous man, an eloquent preacher, and a wonderful healer.
As we continue to reflect on today’s gospel, may we learn to always have faith in God and believe in His immeasurable capacity. Let us consider each other as blessings so that we may help one another towards our salvation journey. May we take pride in everyone’s achievements. And instead of getting envious, let us be grateful for what they achieved and see them as inspirations.
Prayer
Lord, open my mind, my heart, and my soul to You and to Your people. Strengthen my faith in You and show me the goodness of those around me. I ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Do you feel proud whenever Manny Pacquiao wins over his opponent on the boxing ring? How about when Pia Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015? Do you look up to the achievements of Lea Salonga in Miss Saigon and Lisa Macuja in ballet? Yes, of course! We, Filipinos take pride and celebrate the successes of our “kababayan” worldwide.
Unfortunately, Filipino pride is contrary to today’s gospel reading as Jesus was bluntly dishonored in His hometown. His credibility and family history were questioned by those who heard Him teach in the synagogue. They looked down on Him and took offense at Him. As a result, He was not able to perform any mighty deed in His native place, apart from curing a few sick people by laying His hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Faith, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church is our adequate response to God. We are called to completely submit our intellect and will to God the Revealer. Of all the wonderful things that God has made, the salvation that Jesus has offered, and the guidance given by the Holy Spirit, the only way to repay His goodness is to have faith and believe in Him.
Through faith, miracles happen. I bet you already heard testimonials of healing, conversion, and answered prayers. These beautiful stories were fulfilled because of people's unshakeable faith. They never doubted that Jesus can help them in their adversities and petitions. They have given their full confidence and relied heavily on God’s power. Faithful as ever, God did not disappoint them. He allowed them to experience His overflowing love and generosity. If only the people believed in Jesus at that time, they could have experienced more and great miracles compare to other towns in Israel.
On the other hand, as people come and go in our daily lives, we are challenged whether to look at them as blessings or threats. If we let envy win our hearts, chances are we fall like the doubting fellows of Jesus Christ. Because of envy, they could not accept that someone like Jesus Who is also a native of their place will rise up as a good and righteous man, an eloquent preacher, and a wonderful healer.
As we continue to reflect on today’s gospel, may we learn to always have faith in God and believe in His immeasurable capacity. Let us consider each other as blessings so that we may help one another towards our salvation journey. May we take pride in everyone’s achievements. And instead of getting envious, let us be grateful for what they achieved and see them as inspirations.
Prayer
Lord, open my mind, my heart, and my soul to You and to Your people. Strengthen my faith in You and show me the goodness of those around me. I ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Beautifully done! Thanks for the inspiration!
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