WORD ALIVE

Once a politician organized a group of businessmen to talk about world hunger and how to remedy it. “Millions of people in the world are starving. They eat barely once a day,” he said. The guests were dismayed, however, seeing a sumptuous dinner served with overflowing laureate menus like lobsters, and rare brands of wines.
 

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In this 31st Sunday gospel, Jesus denounced the religious leaders  of his time, saying: “The scribes and Pharisees (a member of an ancient Jewish sect) sit in the chair of Moses but do not follow their example. For they preach but do not practice what they say” (Mt 23, 3). Jesus’ words may well apply to that politician in the above story which shows a yawning gap between words and actions.
 

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One time I was talking to a barangay chairman. I asked him why he kept running for the top barangay position.
 

He replied: “I want people to have a high regard for me and my family. I want them to recognize me. I feel good when they bow and reach out their hands and make mano to me.”
I admired the man’s candid response, but his motive was self-serving. A true leader does not run for position in order to gain and enjoy self-admiration. 
 

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It is hoped that those who won in the just-concluded election and numerous other leaders learn from the following words of the Lord referring to the Pharisees: “All their works are performed to be seen. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honors, and titles.” 
 

“That should not be the case with you,” Jesus added.  “The greatest among you must be your servant.” (Mt 23,11). 
 

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Service was one of the most striking signs of Christ’s own life.  He healed the sick, restored the sight to the blind, and raised the dead to life. At the last supper, He washed the feet of His disciples, and after His resurrection He prepared a meal for them on the shore while they were fishing. His whole life is characterized as one of service and compassion. Thus, he said: “The Son of man came not to be served, but to serve.”
 

Leaders, whether religious, political, or all other authorities, should emulate the humble servant leadership Jesus had taught. 
 

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Reflection on All Souls. Life after death and immortality are bedrock of Christian faith based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.     
In the conversation between Jesus and Martha on the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus declares: “Your brother will rise to life” (John 11,23). Martha replies: “I know he will rise on the last day.”
 

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To further bolster belief in life after death, Jesus said at the Last Supper: "In my Father's house there are many mansions...I am going to prepare a place for you" (Jn 14,2). 
 

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The feast of All Souls, which we have just celebrated, reminds us of the last things in life: death, and the Last Judgment.
If you read the parable (Mt. 25, 31-46), you will notice that our judgment will not depend on our intelligence, good looks, fame or fortune. We shall be asked the question: “How much have you done or not done for the less fortunate?”
 

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There’s another thing Jesus requires of us in order to enter God’s kingdom. And that is partaking the bread of life or the Holy Eucharist in the Mass. Jesus said, “I am the bread came down from heaven. He who eats this bread shall live forever” (Jn 6,59).
 

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Quips to ponder. If you think you are indispensable, take a walk around the local cemetery or columbary. Rich or poor, famous or infamous, all life leads to the grave. 
 

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You may party in hell, but you will be the barbeque. 
 

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Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you want to meet Him soonest.
 

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If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows  U-turns.