WORD ALIVE
FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD
There’s a young man who asked God for world peace. God replied, “No, that’s difficult.” Frustrated, the man asked God, “Lord, make me handsome then.” He looked at him and said, “Let’s go back to world peace!”
One important message of Jesus in this Sunday gospel is PEACE. It could not be more timely and relevant as the world is reeling and torn by wars, particularly in Ukraine and Myanmar. In our country, conflicts, kidnappings and violence are predominant.
Right in the homes and workplaces, there are pockets of conflicts, animosities, and, hatred.
In sending out his 72 disciples, Jesus gave the following instruction: "Whatever house you enter, let your first words be 'Peace to this house!'" (Lk 10,5).
Peace is not just the absence of conflict or tension but also the presence of justice and respect for people's rights.
There can be no peace in society if people don't respect the rights of their fellowmen. Similarly, there’s no peace in the homes if children flout the authority of their parents. The fourth commandment of God affirms this explicitly, “Honor your father and mother.”
There can be no peace among married couples if one party cannot give way every now and then or if a spouse does not respect the other if he is committing infidelity.
Jesus said, “You should be a ‘lamb among wolves’ (Lk 10,3), that is, a reconciler or a peacemaker.
Famous singer and artist Sharon Cuneta and daughter KC Concepcion had been estranged and cold with one another for years but they had gotten reconciled recently. The reconciliation took place because of a family friend showman, German Moreno, more known as “Kuya Germs” who persevered in reconciling the two even though he had passed away, not seeing the fruit of his peacemaking. Kuya Germs must be happy in Heaven now.
The emotional reconciliation of KC and Sharon is very similar to what had happened to the national singing artist and awardee, Nora Aunor, who was estranged for years from her daughter, Lotlot. The reconciliation happened because there were go-betweens and peacemakers who patiently helped them mend the broken relations.
If we wish to be true Christians, we have to see what's good in people who are at odds instead of reporting what would aggravate an already-strained relationship. That way we're not adding fuel to the seemingly endless cycle of hatred and violence happening around us.
The Lord declared categorically, thus: “Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God.”
Let’s reflect and put into practice the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith…It is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Revenge: The great advocate of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, quoting Jesus: “If you live by the principle of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,’ the whole world would be blind and toothless.”
Support seminarians and indigents. A benefactor once wrote me: “Father. I would like to sponsor a seminarian and help the sick indigents you’re supporting. This is my way of giving back some of the blessings the Lord has given me.”
How about doing a similar gesture? Donate an amount or sponsor a seminarian's schooling for the new school year. For inquiry, e-mail me at: [email protected].