By Fr. Bel R. San Luis, SVD
Once a college student studying the works of the 19th century German thinker Friedrich Nietzche, known for his assertion that “God is dead,” once wrote on the wall of the school’s rest room: “God is dead” --signed, Nietzche.
Later another student wrote a rebuttal below it, which read: “Nietzche is dead”--signed, God.
All who claimed “God is dead,” like Nietzche, have died, but God is very much alive.
The resurrection event is telling us the message that Jesus Christ rose from the dead as he foretold. Our suffering is not without meaning, that death is not the end and we will rise like Jesus, and that Christ’s teachings are vindicated. “If Christ has not been raised,” St. Paul writes, “then our preaching is useless and your believing it is useless” (1 Cor 15,14).
Yes, Christ is still alive today, for instance, in the Eucharist. But he’s also alive IN and THROUGH us, especially our good deeds.
David Rosage, author of the book Encountering the Daily Lord, relates how one day he got stranded on an out-of-the-way country road. The oil filter of his car blew a gasket, and all the oil ran out of the engine.
Luckily, a pick-up truck stopped and the driver offered assistance. The young man towed his car many miles to a garage. When they reached the nearest shop, the Good Samaritan took the trouble to call for a mechanic. In a couple of hours, the damage was repaired. He was ready to continue his trip.
When he offered to pay the guy who had towed him those many miles, he simply told him to return the favor when he found some persons stranded along the way. He said he wouldn’t want to take advantage of a person who was in trouble.
Once I gave a recollection to a group of Knights of Columbus in Antipolo. One of the doctors who owned a piece of property in Marikina mentioned that the property was sold which would necessitate the ejection or “buying out” of the caretaker-family. Did the owner do it?
Instead of ejecting the family they donated a piece of land where the former caretaker could personally own and live a secure life.
Imagine the joy of the caretaker and his family who had lived there for many years.
Indeed, we still have many kind people around who, despite the greedy tendency of some to amass more wealth or even grab properties, have the heart to give of their material resources.
Such kindness, such benevolent acts are the best evidence that Christ is very much alive today.
INDIGENT SICK. Here’s an opportunity to show that Christ is truly alive today. Help some indigent sick we’re supporting, like Dante Cabansag, who is undergoing hemodialysis, a cancer patient, Stage 3, M. Maranga, J. Lopez, R. Cayunda sick of pulmonary complications.
GOD BLESS — the following latest donors: DON GREGGY LICAROS, WILLY-LINA ONG, GERRY “MR. FREEZE” SANTOS, ANA SANTOS.
Others who wish to help may e-mail me at: [email protected].
ST. JUDE. Got a serious problem with money, studies, sickness or family relationship?
Today, FIRST Thursday, join our novena to St. Jude, Saint of the Impossible, at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary on E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City after the 6 p.m. Mass.
A healing prayer and anointing of the sick will follow.