Gospel: Mt 11:2–11
“When John the Baptist heard in prison about the
activities of Christ, he sent a message by his disciples, asking him: “Are you
the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus answered them, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life and good news is reaching the poor. And how fortunate is the one who does not take offense at me.”
As the messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “When you went out to the desert, what did you expect to see? A reed swept by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? People who wear fine clothes live in palaces. What did you actually go out to see? A prophet? Yes, indeed, and even more than a prophet. He is the man of whom Scripture says: I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way before you.
I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has come forward among the sons of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Jesus answered them, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life and good news is reaching the poor. And how fortunate is the one who does not take offense at me.”
As the messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “When you went out to the desert, what did you expect to see? A reed swept by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? People who wear fine clothes live in palaces. What did you actually go out to see? A prophet? Yes, indeed, and even more than a prophet. He is the man of whom Scripture says: I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way before you.
I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has come forward among the sons of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Today, we attended mass in
Troy and Tracy’s school which was part of the program for their Family Day. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by
one of the University administrators, Fr. Javines. This year’s theme is solidarity and the
priest’s homily was perfectly versed for all the things that had been happening
around us lately. I was particularly
moved with his homily and he started it with a short story.
He went out one morning to buy bread at a
nearby bakery and it was just a small store as he described it. But with the sign that the bakery had put up
you’d know that the people behind it has a big heart. They had this sign that said ONE PESO FOR
EVERY BREAD THAT YOU BUY. Quite touching right?
I’ve witnessed our
fellowmen shared what much or little they have for the victims of Yolanda. I am not a wealthy person but I have shared
too. We have known of people from
foreign lands who are here to offer whatever help they can give. And we know that they have given a lot, not just
money but skills, time and heart too.
And it just feels so good to share.
The happiness is indescribable!
But why is there still
fighting with our government officials?
What’s the use of all the argument and all the blaming? Is it impossible for all of us Filipinos to
stand up all together and help our brothers and sisters start new lives
again? Why can’t it all start with our
leaders? They are supposed to be the
people’s hope. Now, I feel like I’m
doing the blaming game too. But it in
all honesty, it’s so humiliating to let the world know bear witness of all the
fighting that our leaders are doing.
Specially at a time right now that we are closely watched and monitored
through news and updates and what the progress is specially for the victims.
Right now, our leaders are
not in its solidary form. We can only
pray for them that they’ll be enlightened of the reality of things. For us, let’s
continue to share and give. For it is only in giving that there is meaning. When was the last time you have given? Do
share. J
