No Qualifications

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

28 June 2026

 

First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19

Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Balla

I know I’m not perfect, and honestly, I know I’m not worthy of all the blessings God keeps pouring out. But I’ve learned that it was never really about me in the first place. It’s about Him—His mercy, His grace, and His generosity.

God doesn’t ask us to prove ourselves or meet a set of qualifications before He calls us. He simply asks us to love Him and follow Him. To do good whenever we can, whether those actions feel big or small. To support His church, His people, and His work in the simple ways available to us. Somehow, those small acts always end up meaning more than we expect.

When I look at my life, I see how much of it has been shaped by God’s grace. I came from very humble beginnings, but I was blessed with parents who lived with integrity. They weren’t religious, but they were kind, honest, and generous. Even when we didn’t have much, they always found a way to give something to others. Growing up, I didn’t realize it then, but now I see how those moments quietly taught me what faith and love look like in action.

I’ve also learned that discipleship doesn’t have to be loud or impressive. It doesn’t have to be grand. You don’t have to be famous, highly educated, or even deeply religious. What really matters is choosing to love, to care, and to avoid harming others—or the environment around us. Sometimes discipleship shows up in the simplest choices we make every day. And in those quiet, faithful moments, God does the rest.

Prayer

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

Song by Matt Redman

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love and You're slow to anger

Your name is great and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

So bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name (bless You, Lord)

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forevermore (forevermore)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name (c'mon)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

Yes, I will worship Your holy name

Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I will worship Your holy name

Worship Your holy name

The Meek Inherits the Land

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

01 February 2026

 

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

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

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land” - Matthew 5:5

I have heard the Gospel about the sermon of the mount several times, but reading it more closely and intently this time made me pause for a question. How will the meek inherit the land? Why not the hardworking, or the strong can inherit the land instead? 

For me, meek is the last person qualified to inherit the land. Meek comes to me as quiet and submissive, how will a meek stand in front of a dominating opponent? Then thanks to an AI tool (artificial intelligence), I found the full definition of a meek person. It says:

"A meek person is gentle, quiet, and mild-mannered, often characterized by patience, humility, and a non-confrontational nature, willing to comply with others and putting up with wrongs without complaint, but it's not weakness; it's a controlled strength, like the gentleness of Christ, involving inner power and self-control rather than assertiveness or arrogance.”

I found the key words, “patience”, “humility”, “self-control”. God, therefore, favors those who are patient, humble and can control their temper. 

This reminds me of an instance when I almost lost my “meekness” last December. Our house is situated at the corner of two streets and I requested a delivery van to temporarily park in one of the sides to comfortably load the items. The two way street became one way and one of the bigger vans passing by cussed at us for causing obstruction. My initial reaction was to shout back. But seeing that the man is an elderly and handicapped, I later shouted back “Merry Christmas!” and signaled the delivery van to move back just to let them pass peacefully. I admit that my head is still fuming with rage to return the same foul words he said but I was glad that the Holy Spirit did not let me. 

I can actually win the argument with the old man but at what cost? I would disrespect an elderly person, inconvenience all incoming vehicles because neither of us will not give way, disrupting my neighbor’s peace, wasting energy and time. But when I gave in, I only lost 2 minutes and a bit of my pride. 

I realized then that hard work and skills may take you far but only patience, humility and self-control will get you through any obstacles. And the best part? You made our Father proud. 

Prayer

Father, forgive us of our shortcomings. Thank You for reminding us of what matters in the Kingdom of Heaven. Send us Your Holy Spirit to continue to accompany us on our daily struggles. Amen.

At the Table of the Humble

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

31 August 2025

 

First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

 

Reflection By:

Bro. Carlo Alexis Malaluan

Diocese of Imus

 

In Filipino culture, there’s something sacred about a "handaan" —a feast, a gathering. Whether it’s a wedding, a town fiesta, a graduation, or even a simple birthday, meals are never just about food. They’re about relationship. To be invited is to be noticed, remembered, counted. To be welcomed and given a place at the table is to feel that your presence matters. There is a beautiful Filipino word for this, "Kumbida" from Spanish, "Con vida", pointing out that it is not simply meals that we share but life.

We all know that feeling when we’re treated with special regard at a gathering—when someone sets aside a seat for us, serves us first, or even calls us by name with affection. And perhaps, just as deeply, we also know the sting of being left out, of not being invited, of being placed on the margins — literally and figuratively.

So when Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel about a wedding banquet, we understand what’s at stake. He watches as guests choose the best seats for themselves — the places of honor. And He offers a gentle yet piercing parable: “When you are invited, go and take the lowest place… For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

At first, it might seem like a lesson in social etiquette. But Jesus isn’t teaching manner. He’s teaching the posture of the Kingdom. In a world where we often measure worth by status, recognition, or visibility, Jesus reminds us that at His table, the most honored are those who do not demand honor. The most welcome are those who do not compete for space, but create it for others.

He then turns to the one hosting the meal and says: “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” It’s a reversal. The usual logic—of inviting those who can repay us—is dismantled. Jesus invites us into a deeper way of relating: one that does not seek return, but gives for the sake of love.

This is challenging. Because so often, even unconsciously, we carry with us a desire to be seen, to be acknowledged, to be rewarded. Even in our acts of kindness or service, we might quietly hope for a thank-you, a seat of honor, or at least a sense of recognition. But the Gospel invites us to a purer kind of generosity—one that mirrors God's: generous without conditions, welcoming without counting.

And perhaps that’s what Jesus wants us to see: that the true banquet of the Kingdom isn’t about where you sit, but how you love. It’s not about being important in the eyes of others, but being small enough to make room for someone else.

In our Filipino gatherings, we know how it feels to be part of the celebration, and how deeply human the longing is to belong. But Jesus teaches us that the deepest belonging comes not from being treated as special, but from treating others—especially the overlooked—as beloved.

So today, we might ask ourselves: In the gatherings of my life—at home, in community, at work—do I seek the place of honor, or do I create space for others to feel honored? Do I give only where I expect return, or am I learning to love quietly, freely, like the Host who invites all?

Because in the end, the truest feast is not the one where we are celebrated, but the one where we make others feel they have a place at the table.

Prayer

A Stone's Throw

   

Fifth Sunday of Lent

06 April 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Philippians 3:8-14

Gospel: John 8:1-11

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, 

This Gospel always hits home. A woman is dragged out and humiliated for her sin, and she stands there, just a stone’s throw away from judgment—literally and emotionally. The crowd is ready, stones in hand, but Jesus steps in and flips the moment upside down with a single challenge: “Let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”

That phrase “a stone’s throw” reminds me how close we often are to judging others. We may not hold physical stones, but sometimes our thoughts, words, or attitudes are just as sharp. We stand, just a step away, ready to criticize, label, or dismiss someone for their mistakes—forgetting that we’ve made our own.

What speaks to me most is how Jesus doesn’t excuse the sin, but He also doesn’t shame the sinner. He protects her dignity, reminds everyone of their own imperfections, and then gently tells her to "go and sin no more." It’s a reminder that Jesus meets us where we are, not to leave us in our mistakes, but to help us rise above them.

In my work as a school counselor, I’ve seen many students judged quickly—for failing grades, bad decisions, or behavior issues—without people taking the time to understand the “why” behind them. And I admit, there are moments I’ve been tempted to mentally throw a stone too. There are times I catch myself being quick to judge others—whether it’s someone who made a bad choice or someone whose actions I don’t agree with. This Gospel reminds me that I’m not perfect either. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve needed forgiveness, and others have shown me grace when I didn’t deserve it.

And maybe, like the woman, I’ve had moments of guilt or shame where I felt unworthy. But the readings reminded me that Jesus doesn’t define us by our failures. He sees the whole person. That gives me hope—and reminds me to offer that same grace to others.

We are all called to be humble, before criticizing others, I reflect on the grace I’ve been given and the second chances I’ve received. In moments of frustration or judgment, I pause and ask: “Am I helping this person grow, or am I just pointing fingers?, or I am projecting my personal issues to him/her?” We are invited to be like Jesus in the crowd to stand between the broken and the stones—offering support, not shame.

“A stone’s throw” can mean being physically close, but in this context, it reminds me how close we can come to choosing judgment over mercy. Jesus shows us a better way: to drop the stone, extend the hand, and walk with others toward healing. That’s the kind of counselor—and person—I strive to be.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to drop the stones of judgment I so easily carry and to see others through Your eyes of mercy. Teach me to respond with compassion, even when it's easier to condemn. Remind me that I, too, have needed grace. May I always choose love, just as You chose love for me. Amen.

Only the Humble

    

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

08 October 2023

 

First Reading: Is 5:1-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20

Second Reading: Phil 4:6-9

Gospel: Mt 21:33-43

 

Reflection

By: Anton Ocampo

 

Both the First Reading and the Gospel for this Sunday involve the use of the image of vineyards. The image of the vineyard is used in the First Reading to highlight how the people of Jerusalem and Judah refused to listen to the will of the Lord God. Instead of fresh grapes, wild, or, in other translations, rotten grapes were found in this specific vineyard, which is none other than the vineyard of the Lord (Isaiah 5:2, 4). With this statement, the Lord, through the Prophet Isaiah, points out only one thing. Despite God loving and valuing His people, they refused to listen to Him due to the hardness of their minds and hearts. This is very ironic, given the words of the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, which also comes from the First Reading: “The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel” (Isaiah 5:7). Despite being chosen by God, they refused to listen. A similar image of the vineyard was also used by Jesus in the Gospel for this Sunday. Like the words in the First Reading, the Lord Jesus Christ uses the image of a vineyard to highlight the hardness of the hearts and minds of the people of Israel at the time. The difference is that the focus is not on the vines or grapes itself but on the tenants. Instead of opening their ears, minds, and hearts to the messages of the messengers and even the son of the landowner, the tenants refused to listen and beat up and killed the messengers and even the son of the landowner. Not even the son of the landowner was spared from the violence and bloodthirstiness of the tenants in the parable narrated by the Divine Nazarene, our Lord Jesus, in the Gospel. 

What is the lesson for us? The people in the First Reading and the parable of Jesus in the Gospel both chose to not humble themselves before the Lord. Despite being chosen and cared for by God, despite all the things He has done, they still chose to harden their hearts and minds to Him. Yes, their ears were open, they heard all the messages of the Lord God, which were sent to them by the prophets, but they refused to open their hearts and minds to Him, humble themselves, listen to Him, and obey Him. Even today, this is still evident. We hear the Word of God everyday, yet there are instances where we harden our hearts and minds and reject it. Admit it or not, this often happens. Even though there are many times that this happens, this does not make it the correct thing to do. 

The lesson for us this Sunday is found in the Second Reading. Saint Paul the Apostle reminded the Philippian Christians at the end of his lesson in the Second Reading for this Sunday: “Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me” (Philippians 4:9). Of course, Saint Paul the Apostle is not the only one who did this given that there are many holy men and women who are part of the communion of Saints. However, he only means one thing – be humble, open our hearts and minds to the will of God, listen to it, and obey it. 

In order to be able to open our hearts and minds to God, listen to Him, obey Him, and follow Him, we need humility. Humility is necessary in listening, obeying, and following God. With the help of humility, our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds are open to understanding the perspective of the Lord and recognizing its beauty. It is only in being humble that we will be able to appreciate, believe, and trust the way of God wholeheartedly. This is what God wants from us. 

Yes, it is hard to be humble and listen to the will of God and obey it. However, if we truly love God, we will be willing to do this. No matter how difficult it is, we will be willing to humble ourselves before the Lord and listen to His will and obey it if our love, devotion, and worship for Him is genuine. Like our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, who Christ Himself praised when He said in response to a woman: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28), as Christians, we should be humble because it is only in being humble that we will be able to truly offer our genuine faith, love, devotion, and worship to the Lord God. Only the ones who humbly and genuinely believe, trust, love, and worship God will be able to hear His word and obey it.

Prayer

Lord, there are times in our temporary life here on earth where we find it to be very difficult to humbly listen to You and obey You. Teach us to be truly and genuinely humble so that we may truly love You, O Lord, with all our heart, mind, and soul. Amen. 

Lipad

   

  Ikadalawpu't Dalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ika-28 ng Agosto 2022 

 

Unang Pagbasa: Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Salmong Tugunan: Slm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

Ikalawang Pagbasa: Heb 11:18-19, 22-24a

Ebanghelyo: Luc 14:1, 7-14

Repleksyon

Ni: Grace Madrinan

 

"Walang mararating 'yan! Isang araw pa lang siguro 'yan sa Maynila baka masagasaan pa dahil sa katangahan."

Iyan ang madalas na pangungutya na naririnig ng Mama ko mula sa mga kapatid nya tuwing nagkukwento sya ng mga panaginip nya nung mga bata pa sila. Madalas kasi noon nakakapanaginip sya ng mga matataas na gusali na kadalasan nakikita sa syudad. Noon panahon na iyon, 'di pa nakatuntong si Mama sa Maynila.

Ganun na lang ang pagmamalaki ng mga kapatid nya na nakatuntong sila at nakapagtrabaho sa Maynila kahit kasambahay lang. Madalas sa halip na makatulong sa pamilya (na iyon naman talaga ang dahilan nila sa pagluwas), nagiging alalahanin pa kasi lagi silang tinutubos sa mga amo nila. Lagi silang naloloko ng mga nagre-recruit sa kanila, ilang buwan na puro trabaho pero walang sahod kasi nakuha na nung nag-recruit. Mga ilang beses din nangyari iyon pero walang kadala-dala.

Sa bihirang pagkukuwento ni Mama ganyan pa ang inabot nya. Napakataas ng lipad nila. Ganun-ganun na lamang sila makapanlait gayong wala pa namang narating. Minsan nakapagsalita na si Mama nang ganito, "Wag masyadong mataas ang lipad, kasi kapag bumagsak kayo mas malakas ang lagapak!"

Lalo lang siyang pagtatawanan kasi nagsasalita daw si Mama mag-isa. "Baliw! Sira na talaga ang ulo. Malala na. Wala na talagang lunas." Hindi pa man naimbento ang salitang "bully", matagal na pala itong namamayagpag sa mga kapatid nya.

Titingala na lang ang Mama ko, sasabihin nya "Hindi natutulog ang Diyos. Ayan Siya nakatingin mula sa langit." Ngunit lalong lalakas pa ang hagalpakan nila.

Tuwing ikinukuwento ito ni Mama (na makailang ulit na rin hehe), nalulungkot ako para sa kanya at gayundin naman ay humahanga. Paano nya nakayanan ang ganoong pangungutya?

Sa kabila ng paghihirap nya sa piling ng mga kapatid nya, biniyayaan sya ng mahabang pasensya at pagtitiis. Kahit ganon ang pakikitungo sa kanya ng mga kapatid nya, patuloy pa rin syang nagsilbi sa kanila, nirespeto ang nakatatanda. Hinayaan nya na ang Diyos ang gumawa ng paraan para sa kanya.

Napakasarap ng hustisya ng Panginoon sa Mama ko. Pagkatapos ng maraming panahon, 'di lang sya nakarating ng Maynila, nakapagbyahe din sya sa ibang sulok ng Pilipinas at maging sa ibang bansa. 'Yung mga panaginip nya nung bata pa sya, nagkatotoo lahat at higit pa. Ang taong nilalait na hindi makakatuntong ng ibang lugar, 'di hamak na mas marami pang narating kaysa sa nangungutya. Tunay na kahanga-hanga ang hustisya ng Panginoon.

"Sapagkat ang nagmamataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakumbaba ay itataas." - Luc 14:11

Panalangin

Panginoon, turuan Mo akong maging mapagkumbaba. Piliin nawang maging mapagmahal sa halip na mapahiganti. Sapat nawa na malamang ito ay mas ikalulugod Mo. Lahat ng ito ay dalangin sa Ngalan ni Hesus. Amen 

Surrender Your Control to Jesus' Will

Twenty-fifth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

19 September 2021 

 

First Reading: WIS 2:12, 17-20

Responsorial Psalm: PS 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8

Second Reading: JAS 3:16-4:3

Gospel: MK 9:30-37

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo

 

Imagine that you are one with the disciples following Jesus and you hear from Him how He would suffer yet you see calmness as he laid out all the negative things that will happen to Him in this journey, wouldn't we be exactly like the disciples questioning a lot of things? In your heart, there's a belief that you are actually following a man who performed wondrous miracles. Will you express your doubts? I felt the hesitations from these disciples in controlling themselves to ask questions to Jesus. They cannot understand why the Son of God, all powerful that He is, would accept suffering and even death on the cross.

Maybe just like the disciples, we also fail to really listen to Jesus. We only focus ourselves on suffering and death where in fact He also speaks about His resurrection. Sometimes we think that asking questions would make us stupid and uninformed. We are too proud of ourselves to acknowledge vulnerability. We seek answers but are reluctant to do things that will give clarity to our confusion by simply asking a question.

The good news we have today is that in many moments of our lives, we are like the child Jesus carried. Most of the time, we do not understand or do not know many things happening around us. Jesus holding a child, the ultimate symbol of not knowing, not understanding, immature and underdeveloped but one who would completely trust and believe his caregiver. And that I think is the invitation, no matter how big or small our questions in this life. It is only in the eyes of a child that we see wonder. It is only through wonder that we can feel the glory and greatness of the Father. We need not to fear because we are in the presence of our Savior. A quote would say, "perfect love casts out all fear."

Forget our selfish ego. Forget pride. Forget being in control. Arise each day. If some things in your life are difficult, just breathe. Breathe in the Holy Spirit's air that someone is taking care of you. Be aware of the many you can be thankful for in the day, but ultimately leave it to God to make it happen. This spiritual struggle of being in control and letting go is a tug-of-war with our own ego. All our stories are coming true, and that for me is the Good News. I once told my mentees, do not get distracted by focusing on getting it right all the time. Step back, come back and continue your journey, your story. Be humble. Allow Jesus to come into our lives. Continue self-emptying, by giving to others, so later on, God can fill us up with His glory and power. Are you ready to humble yourself and serve as Jesus did?

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, by Your cross You have revealed Your glory and triumph over the sin and death. May I never fail to see Your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to lessen my need for control and surrender my life to Your will so I can follow in Your way of holiness. Amen.

 

Our Persecution and Jesus in our Homes

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

28 March 2021 

 

At the Procession of Palms - Gospel: MK 11:1-10

First Reading:  IS 50:4-7

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Second Reading:  PHIL 2:6-11

Gospel:  MK 15:1-39

 

Reflection

By: Emerson C. Maala

 

Holy Week observance is one of the solemnly celebrated Christian traditions observed by Filipino Catholics. It starts with the celebration of Jesus' entry into the City of Jerusalem which is popularly called Palm Sunday. Filipino Catholics bring some coconut fronds or "palaspas" and wave them as a sign of their faith acclaiming Jesus. However, due to the CoVid-19 pandemic, for two years now, Filipinos were and will not be able to wave their "palaspas"  in the Churches due to the restrictions by the government's community quarantine.

Jesus' glorious entry to the city of Jerusalem was the start that He was to suffer from passion and death. People acclaim Him as a messiah shouting "Hosanna!", which means "Save us!". On the contrary, this cry alarmed the Jewish High Priest of the danger that Jesus would create an uprising with the people. However, Jesus enters the City as a meek and humble person not creating violence but peace.

In our current situations, we may not be given the chance to celebrate in the Churches to acclaim Jesus with our "palaspas". But in this way, this may be a cross to accept. We may experience suffering given the restriction to celebrate in the Churches to acclaim Jesus. Nevertheless, it is our chance that maybe, we let Jesus enter our Homes just like how Jesus enters the City of Jerusalem by accepting every opportunity to give charity to the members of the family or the others. And in this way, that amid our suffering, we may experience the meek and humble heart of Jesus.

 

Prayer

 

Jesus, Thank You for entering into Jerusalem to bring salvation to us. May we always welcome You in our homes and in our hearts each day. We pray for courage to carry our cross passionately as we reflect in Your loving sacrifice forever and ever. Amen.

 

 

 

Limitless Love

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Feb 23
First reading Leviticus 19:1-2,17-18

The Lord spoke to Moses; he said: ‘Speak to the whole community of the sons of Israel and say to them:

  ‘“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.

  ‘“You must not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. You must openly tell him, your neighbour, of his offence; this way you will not take a sin upon yourself. You must not exact vengeance, nor must you bear a grudge against the children of your people. You must love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.”’

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 102:1-4,8,10,12-13
Second reading                                                        1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Didn’t you realise that you were God’s temple and that the Spirit of God was living among you? If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him, because the temple of God is sacred; and you are that temple.

  Make no mistake about it: if any one of you thinks of himself as wise, in the ordinary sense of the word, then he must learn to be a fool before he really can be wise. Why? Because the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As scripture says: The Lord knows wise men’s thoughts: he knows how useless they are; or again: God is not convinced by the arguments of the wise. So there is nothing to boast about in anything human: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life and death, the present and the future, are all your servants; but you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.

  ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

Reflection by Rosalinda Markell

Reflecting on today's Gospel, I came across these words:  "The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit, he has ceased to be wise and to do good.  He devices wickedness on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not abhor evil.  Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens.  Your faithfulness reaches the clouds." (Psalm 36:3-5)

In this psalm, David contrasted the way of life of unbelievers and believers. In conclusion, he affirmed that God will protect and sustain the faithful and punish and destroy the wicked. According to David, the unbelieving person is one who has "no fear of God before his eyes."

Regardless of the circumstances of life, whether we are in a moment of sanity or going through a time of trials such as being bullied at work, made a laughing stock in the neighborhood, persecuted for one's belief, victimized by others' gossip, and the like, let's hold on to God’s love which is always a beacon of hope, ever-present and inexhaustible source of strength and confidence. God's love for us is limitless. Do not worry if people say bad things against you, stay humble, and do not be disturbed. "And when you are disturbed, do not sin, ponder it on your beds and just be silent." (Psalm 4:4). Retaliation is out of the question here.  As the saying goes "Live and let live" or, much better "Let go and let God"! A word of caution though.  When Jesus tells us to bear with one another, it doesn't mean we simply accept evil as something normal.  We must endure evil without compromising our sense of sin. For example, bribing government officials would seem to be norm to fast track our request and stealing might be the easiest way to get rich, but they are still evil.

Prayer

Whenever we hear the things that people are saying about us, heavenly Father, we want so much to set the record straight!  We realize that we have two alternatives, to identify and confront the source, or to let it go and let the truth become self-evident. Please show us what the wisest course of action to take. Then please help us to follow through with confidence, knowing that You are ultimately in control of the situation. We pray, Lord, for enlightenment of our minds, soul, and spirit, and we ask You to please bless us all, even those who persecute us.   Amen.