ed-espiritu

Going through the Beatitudes, one cannot help but entertain the thought that such pronouncements sometimes seem outdated, passé, etc. We listen to these words of Christ then look around and see how far the world is to these standards of blessedness. Hence, we sometimes feel out of place in this world when we try to be poor in spirit, when we try to be meek and merciful.

I remember an experience I had during our parish's celebration of the Christ the King feast day. We had this long procession and trekked through the hills and grasslands of Antipolo. During that long journey, we went through clusters of people engaging themselves in different things-watching TV, gossiping, playing cards , playing basketball, etc. I looked around and saw some of the parishioners feeling a little embarrassed at what we were doing- feeling alienated by the fact that they were doing something "holy" while the rest of the community were not. During my homily, I reminded them of this thought: I guess, it is right to feel alienated, for our place is really not of this world. No matter how we try to feel at home in this world we just can't for our real home is in the company of those who have already mastered the norms of the Kingdom of God.

People will tell us we are outdated. They will make us believe that we are behind the times. But the word of God is never outmoded - it never loses its power and authority. And if He says blessed are the poor, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and the merciful, they truly are. And only God will validate these things, if not in this world then surely in the next.

Fr. Sandy Enhaynes

 "If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand."
Mark 3:25
 
"Ayoko na!" exclaimed an elderly parish servant as she approached me. Earlier in the day, she solicited donations for food from another "servant" who, instead of helping in the work of evangelization, bad-mouthed the ongoing parish activity. The elderly servant was so affected by the criticisms that she decided to stop serving that day.

Bickering among people who are suppose to be "servants of the Lord" divide and break the community. All of these squabbles and tiffs are traceable to the five-letter word spelled P-R-I-D-E. Self centeredness, vainglory, rivalry, envy - all these are children of pride. That's why the book of Sirach calls it "the reservoir of sin" (Sirach 10:13). Because of these, the unity and relationship that took so long a time to build, are destroyed in an instant.

Today's passage in Mark 3:25 warns us that as Christians, we should keep the unity of the body of Christ. And I believe that humility is one of the keys to unity.

The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory, rather humbly regard others as more important than yourselves."

by: Danny Tariman (Didache)
 
REFLECTION:
 
Do we easily see the wrong in others when we are not the "center of activity"?
 
Lord, teach me to be humble and to remain humble.

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

1 Corinthians 04 : 20

GOD'S KINGDOM IS POWER   
Christianity is not moral platitudes, lofty intentions, and noble thoughts. The fundamental characteristic of God's kingdom is power. Paul faced constant criticism about his work among the early churches. Some of his detractors would travel to cities such as Corinth and speak extensively about all that Paul was doing incorrectly. At times, people in the churches were enticed to believe the slanderous criticisms against the apostle.

LIFE FILLED WITH SPIRITUAL POWER

Paul responded with a reminder that the test of a kingdom citizen's authenticity was not the persuasiveness of his words, but the spiritual power of his life. Paul candidly acknowledged that some did not find him eloquent in speech (2 Cor. 10:10). Yet they could not question God's power in his life. He had seen many people converted, and many churches were started through his ministry. He had been used to heal the sick and raise the dead through God's power. Regardless of whether his words were eloquent, they carried spiritual power and authority that came from God.

LIVE IT! 

 You will encounter many people who seek to convince you of their opinions concerning the kingdom of God. They may speak passionately. They may even bring charts and graphs to prove their points! But the test of the validity of their words is the spiritual power of their lives. If a person speaks forcefully about a point of doctrine but is habitually sinning, his words are discredited by his life. If a person talks of the power of God but gives no evidence of victory in her life, her words are empty. It is much easier to talk about the victorious Christian life than it is to live it.

     If you only have the appearance of godliness without any corresponding spiritual power (2 Tim. 3:5), ask God to cleanse you of your sin and to fill you with His Spirit so that your life is characterized by power.

DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS DEBT TO PAY?

You are concerned about a debt you must pay in the conduct of your business and daily living. This forms part of a deed and undertaking that you must comply with. You are led to this by the Spirit of God because as His child, He has responded to your prayer petition of having a new principal for your business. You received from God a new spirit where He has again adopted you as His own child. Cry to Him as your Father and with Christ, the Spirit shall bear witness to you.  Ask Him to take full control of your situation so that you will rejoice before Him.

HAVE YOU PREPARED TO VISIT YOUR DEPARTED LOVE ONES?

As the All Souls Day approaches, I want you to remember your own father and the request of your mother that he be visited. Rest assured that he now rest in peace in God's abode as he is happy to see that you and your mother are now staying in one house. He also celebrate with great joy to see that your whole family is now under the Father's love and care through Christ.

STILL CONCERNED OF HAVING A HOME AND BEING PROSPEROUS?

Do not think that you are forsaken just because you still do not have a house of your own. God shall give you a home and He will surely lead you to prosperity. Forget all about you rebellious attitude and continue to bless the Lord each day of your life. He now carries you and holds you in His hands.

WHAT WORK IS ALLOWED DURING SABBATH?

I am glad to see that you were able to attend Mass. To be holy during sabbath is not just the regular practice of going to church during Sundays to attend Mass. Moreover, sabbath is meant to do something out of love and concern for others, most especially those who are in need. God wanted you to rest and be with Him on this day after spending six days of work, but he does not prevent you from working on something that can benefit others. It is also a day when God heals the infirmities of people who sought after Him so that He may be glorified. Sabbath is a day when God sets you free from any and all bondage that you have acquired over the past days.