The Word God Spells

Luke 13: 10-17
Rom 8:12-17/Ps 68:2,4,6-7,20-21

Shouldn’t this daughter of Abraham be set free from what binds her?
(Luke 13:16)

Of women, this all men must learn:
In numbers they showed more concern
To Jesus, bent by our sins’ weight,
Was urged on by their steadfast faith.

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on a Sabbath when He saw a woman there who had been a cripple for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up. Taking compassion on her, Jesus called her forward and said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Putting His hands on her, she immediately straightened up and started praising God. The synagogue ruler, indignant that Jesus had healed on a Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” But Jesus told him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

Reflection

It was all too much to take for the strict synagogue ruler. Jesus had discarded all the rules of protocol, interrupting His teaching and calling an infirmed woman to the front of the synagogue (women’s places were always at the back). Disregarding His station as a rabbi, He touched the impure woman, and then desecrated the Sabbath by healing her! But for his outburst, Jesus rebuked the synagogue ruler and his kind as hypocrites. How rich in lessons this incident in the synagogue brings to us today.

There were a number of things in Jewish society that needed to be straightened out, and Jesus saw the opportunity to do it when a woman bent with a crippling disease entered the synagogue that Sabbath day. First, by calling the woman to the front of the synagogue, and calling her a “daughter of Abraham”, He elevated the status of women to the same level of men, they being also children of God, and co-heirs of His kingdom. By touching her, Jesus showed the Jews that her affliction was not the result of sin; she was not impure, and therefore could not defile Him. He had to humiliate His adversaries by calling them hypocrites to expose them for what they were, and to open their eyes to the fact that their man-made laws had made them blind to God’s compassion and mercy.

In some ways we might also be guilty of hypocrisy like that synagogue official if we are only concerned about the legal observance of the Sabbath (Sunday Mass). How do we keep God’s day of rest holy? Is an hour spent in church sufficient? Did we show a little concern for that bent woman begging at the church entrance as Jesus did? Or was our money for her decent meal too much of a sacrifice? Jesus said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (Mt.12:7). It is not in sacrifice or in the observance of laws or rites that sanctifies our day or our life. It is in showing mercy and compassion to the weakest of God’s children. Women have always been taken advantage of because of their weakness. We hear and read of rapes and physical abuses against women. Amnesty International, in its campaign to stop violence against women, said, “From the battlefield to the bedroom, women are at risk.” We must all do our share to stop “bending” women’s lives, whether at home or in the marketplace. As we end this month dedicated to Mary, Jesus’ Mother, let us pledge to honor her by treating all women like our own mother or sister.

Dear God, our prejudices against women may have caused our values to be bent and crippled. Thank You for making us realize how important it is to honor all women, just as our Lord Jesus showed respect and compassion to all of them. Amen.

Luke 7: 11-17
1 Tm 3:1-13/Ps 101:1-3,5,6

God has visited His people!
(Luke 7:16)

Jew or gentile, sinner or saint,
God never makes a distinction;
His love for all knows no restraint,
No bounds for His great compassion.

After healing the centurion’s servant, Jesus journeyed to a town called Nain, with his disciples and a large crowd accompanying Him. As He drew near to the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, He was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man was raised, and Jesus gave him to his mother. The people exclaimed, “A great prophet has arisen among us,” and “God has visited his people.”

Apparently, the widow in this story was a good woman, popular with her townsfolks, for “a large crowd from the town was with her.” Our Lord Jesus had just come from Capernaum, and a large crowd was also with Him. But unlike the followers of Jesus, who marched with jubilation in the company of a miracle worker, the people of Nain were a procession of mourners. And the two disparate crowds met at the town gate. This stark disparity of revelers and mourners first struck Jesus, but what moved Him to compassion was the mourning widow, now totally alone and helpless.

Reflection

While Jesus healed the centurion’s servant because of the latter’s faith, it was Jesus’ own compassion for the widow that moved Him to raise her son from the dead. While the Roman centurion sent emissaries to Jesus for help, the widow never entreated Jesus’ help. She did nothing; the initiative all came from our Lord. The Roman centurion was powerful, the widow was helpless. One was a gentile, the other a Jew. The centurion’s slave was “valuable to him” (7:2), but the widow’s son was virtually her life. What are these contrasting elements telling us in today’s Gospel account? It may be this: In God’s great compassion, He never makes any distinction, whether man or woman, rich or poor, faithful follower or not, He has no favorites, He is the God of all.

We are, in our sinfulness, like the mourning people of Nain. But “God has visited His people” in our faith, in our remorse for our sins, in helping others who are in similar distress, in His Word in Holy Scriptures, and in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. God’s presence is evident in our breakfast fellowships and prayer meetings, where we vicariously experience His goodness in the testimonies of brothers and sisters. He is present for us in the confessional box, and joins us when we receive Him in the celebration of the mass (which is why we want to receive Him as often as we can). It is certainly His presence that moves us to compassion in works of mercy, just as He is there when we meditate His words in Holy Scriptures.

You fill us with great hope, Almighty Father, for Your compassion has no limits, and You are always with us in Your Holy Spirit, in the Eucharist, and in Your Word. For all these, we have no reason to fear. Amen.

Luke 6: 27-38
Col 3:12-17 / Ps 150:1-6

But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
(Luke 6:27-28)

True Christians bear no enmities,
And we give with no prejudice;
When we forgive our enemies,
We become God’s channels of peace.

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Reflection

The president of our running club asked me to join their meeting as they had an important matter to discuss. A new member I sponsored had been bad-mouthing the club and its officers. My immediate reaction was anger at this person. Next to BCBP, my running club holds a special place in my heart. For more than two decades, the wholesome relationships and fun fellowships among the more than 100 members have always been a source of pride. Being a past president, I enjoyed the respect and confidence of all the officers, who had been patient and tolerant with this friend whom I had invited to join our club. Unfortunately, the camaraderie in the club had failed to make any moderating influence on the fellow, whose boorish behavior had only put his sponsor in an awkward position. Controlling my agitation, I called him up on my mobile, as the meeting hushed into silence. I asked him if it was true that he had told some people “the officers of the club are stupid.” I was shocked to hear him admit his words without remorse, and even said he didn’t care if the club expelled him. Full of anger now for his arrogance, I asked the board members for the fellow’s expulsion. But my anger quickly subsided when the president said, “Why don’t we just write him a letter and invite him to explain his side?” Another board member commented, “Maybe a suspension would be more appropriate, rather than outright expulsion.” I was humbled and moved by their compassion and tolerance.

In our renewal community we find it so easy to express our love because it is readily reciprocated. We casually do favors for each other because caring and harmony are part of our culture. We pray for God’s blessings on those who are kind to us, and we offer our cheeks when we greet each other with a kiss. But our Lord Jesus asks us, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” (Lk.6:32) Jesus wants us to bring our loving to a higher level. “But rather, love your enemies and do good to them… then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for He Himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Lk.6:35-36)

Thank you, dear God, for friends who guide us in right paths, who show mercy and forgiveness even to those who are arrogant and boastful. Bless them, I pray. Amen.

Matthew 8: 5-17
Gn 18:1-15 / Lk 1:46-55

Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me.
(Matthew 8:8-9)

What does it take to be Christ’s soldier?
Intelligence? Strength? Courage? Honor?
No, it just takes complete surrender,
With Faith for shield, meekness for armor.

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached Him with an appeal, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home, paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter my house; say only the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. When Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those following Him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and from the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour, his servant was healed.

Reflection

The centurion was a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. As commander, he knew the power that one in authority wielded, and having heard about the power Jesus had over demons and disease, he believed that Jesus could heal his servant with nothing more than a command. So it was not necessary to trouble the Lord to come to his house. Besides, he respected the sensitivity of the Jews about entering pagan households (and getting defiled). He also addressed Jesus as “Lord” even though all Jews looked upon Roman soldiers with fear and awe, especially centurions. For his humility and great faith, Jesus told him, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that moment, his servant was completely healed.

Whenever we receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, we are reminded of that Roman centurion as we pray, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive You; say only the word, and I shall be healed.” By His Word we have been called, by His Word we have been healed and restored, and worthy to receive Him in Holy Communion.

A constant prayer to God is for the grace to become a worthy soldier of Christ. This world is a constant battleground of good against evil, that we must resolve to fight for the values and ideals of Christ, with our faith in Him as our “shield and buckler”. Like the centurion who showed great faith in the authority of Jesus, we must also aspire for “a faith like none other found in Israel.” (Mt.8:10) There are many battles to fight in this life for us to win such an accolade from our Lord. In the meantime, what is most important is first to forge the armor of humility, for there lies the true worth of a good soldier. Jesus was immediately won over by the Roman centurion, but not by his power and authority, but by his humility and his compassion for his servant. The soldier’s approach was one of surrender, begging for the life of his slave. This is the lesson that our Lord imparts to us that we may become a true soldier.

You have shown us in today’s Gospel, Lord, that it is not only by our faith that our prayers are answered, but by our compassion and intercession for the sake of others. Grant us the grace of humility to see that whatever our position or power, we are nothing and can do nothing without Your help. Amen.

Matthew 7: 1-5
Gn 12:1-9 / Ps 33:12-13,18-19,20,22

Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, & the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
(Matthew 7:1-2)

In judging, give the credit due,
The weak deserves some merit too.
The less of prejudice in you,
The more the love of God shines through.

Jesus said, “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye but do not perceive the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5)

Reflection

Being a judge in our country’s trial courts can be a daunting task that requires a fair amount of intelligence, hard work, patience, courage, prudence, and integrity. It is a grave responsibility because our judges know that one day, they will also be judged for all the decisions they handed down affecting the lives of other people.

Our eldest brother is a judge in a regional trial court. All of his nine surviving siblings hold him in high esteem for his keen sense of fairness and his proven integrity. His example gives hope that most of our honorable ‘men in black’ uphold the same ideals in our judicial system, notwithstanding some rumours to the contrary.

One such judge who handed a fair and favorable decision changed the life of a young member of our brotherhood from Cagayan de Oro city. Bro. Jun shared how one day, while he was still in college, a tragic vehicular accident scarred his growing years. He was driving in the rain when a woman suddenly ran across his path to flag a passing jeepney. Bro. Jun and his companion rushed her to the nearest hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival. The cause of death was severe hemorrhage from hitting her head on the pavement. His parents negotiated with the family of the victim to compensate them financially for their loss, but the amount the bereaved husband demanded was beyond what Bro. Jun’s parents could raise. The case went to court. After two years, the presiding judge decided that Bro. Jun was innocent of the charges filed against him (homicide), because there was no intent to kill.

We had invited my brother judge to the BCBP breakfast fellowship where Bro. Jun gave this life testimony. Later, I asked my brother how he would have decided if he had been the judge in that case. Not being aware of all the circumstances in the case, he could not give his personal opinion, but he said he would have admonished the driver of the vehicle and his parents to be magnanimous in victory and compensate the family of the victim with their original offer. Indeed my brother showed that our sense of justice must always ruled by compassion.

Grant us the grace, Lord, to be more compassionate in judging those who are prejudiced against us, even if we know we are in the right, just as You have been compassionate to us in our sinfulness. Amen.

Matthew 5: 20-26
Ez 18:21-28 / Ps 130

Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.
(Matthew 5:22)

Jesus warns us to be aware:
The first murder was done in anger.
Lest by hatred our hearts are defiled,
Forgive the hurt, and be reconciled.

Today’s Gospel is a continuation of the Beatitudes of Jesus, Who speaks to us to be meek and gentle of heart, to be compassionate and forgiving, as the Father has been with us inspite of all our transgressions. He wants us to be peacemakers, especially in times when we feel that we are persecuted. This is how we can carry our crosses and become God’s children.

Jesus does not want us to bear a grudge or hatred against our neighbor. “Vengeance is mine”, says the Lord. To a certain extent, God allows anger to well in our hearts, but only to build up our character when we are able to curb it. Proverbs 19:11 says, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” We grow in patience and wisdom when we are hold our peace and learn to forgive.

Reflection

In one of the group sessions held by an archdiocesan organization, the dangerous sin of anger was demonstrated when the organizers “faked a scene” to actually provoke this emotion. One of the coordinators pretended to be drunk, and started to become “unruly” during a group discussion. The other coordinators pretended to patiently calm him down, and took him out of the room. But the “drunk brother” kept coming back. This behaviour aroused the anger of a few participants, and one elderly man even attempted to teach the “drunk brother” a lesson, and had to be pacified by the leaders. Then, to the surprise of all the participants, the “drunkard” turned out to be the speaker of the session, who gave a talk on ‘Anger and Forgiveness.’

That incident demonstrated that anger in itself is not wrong because it is our human nature to get angry when a wrong is not rectified, or an abuse is perpetuated. Anger only becomes a sin when its consequence is to inflict harm or harbor hatred against another in retaliation or revenge. Hurling insulting words like “fool” or “moron” against our neighbor is unacceptable because it demeans us more than the object of our hatred. Jesus says it is like murder because insulting words are intended to “kill” the character of the other person. We in fact die a little every time we are insulted.

St. Paul also advises us: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. . . If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.” (Rom. 12:18,20-21)

During this period of Lent, let us reflect on the Prayer of St. Eusebius (3rd century): “May I be no man’s enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides. May I never quarrel with those nearest me: and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly. May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good. May I wish for all men’s happiness and envy none. May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me. When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make amends. May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent. May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another. . . May I always keep tame that which rages within me. May I accustom myself to be gentle, and never be angry with people because of circumstances. May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things he has done, but know good men and follow in their footsteps.” AMEN.