WORD ALIVE
Did you know that Jesus mentioned “television” in the gospel? After the Transfiguration at Mt. Tabor, he said: “Tel-e-vision to no one.” (Mark 9,9).
The gospel in this 18th Sunday does not relate about television but the vision of Jesus’ transfiguration (cf. (Mk 9,2-10). The theme is about faith.
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The Lord’s glorious transfiguration (Mt 17,1-9) served as a spiritual booster to strengthen the faith of his disciples in the days to come when he would suffer terribly, nailed to the cross, and died atrociously.
Faith is such that no matter how staunchly we live Christ’s teachings, there are times when we get discouraged or even lose faith in God.
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Faith has a mountain peak as well as low or valley moments in life. Peak experiences are moments of joy and fulfilment, like passing the bar or board exam, a long-awaited marriage, a visa to work abroad, a priest’s ordination.
The low points may be misfortunes like the sudden death of a loved one, a financial crisis, a serious sickness, a failed marriage.
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Peter, James and John didn't want to leave the mountain anymore, preferring the joy and comfort of the glorious transfiguration. That is why Peter said, "Lord, let us build three booths (tents) here and reside where it's secure and blissful.”
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In today's situation, Peter would have said, “Let's not go down anymore, Lord, where we encounter so many problems like the disappearance of 34 “sabongeros” un-yet solved, endless peddling of illegal drugs, hating and blaspheming the Lord, to mention some.
But Jesus' mission was not cut out that way. They went down into the valley – where they would undertake the ministry of loving service to all kinds of people and face their own sufferings which ended in martyrdom just like Jesus did.
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Ask yourself: When low points of faith come, do I worry myself to death or be overwhelmed by them? Human as we are, we feel discouraged but, with faith in God, let’s rise up and remedy our problems. As somebody puts it: “Do your best and God will do the rest.”
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St. John Vianney, a powerful inspiration to priests
A late vocation and not-intellectually-gifted priest is the beloved patron of all parish priests, diocesans or religious. That's Jean (John) Marie Vianney, born 1786 in France whose feast is celebrated on Aug. 4. He had such difficulty in his studies that some “divine intervention” was needed for him to get ordained priest.
It's been related that when the final oral exam required for ordination was conducted, he was third on deck. Chances of his passing were slim because the guest professor was a “terror” and fastidious one.
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When the first two examinees before John Vianney had their turn, they proved so good that the professor decided to forego the third (John), having gotten an idea of the candidates' quality. That's how John was spared!
When he finally got ordained, he was sent to a tiny, obscure, notorious village called Ars, an assignment his bishop thought was equivalent to his limited intelligence.
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What he lacked in brains, however, he made up in diligence, dedication to pastoral work, and above all, holiness (being sinless). With much prayer, sacrifices, catechism classes and endless hours spent in hearing confessions — he heard confessions for 16 hours daily! — the holy Cure of Ars transformed a God-forsaken parish into a haven of holiness.
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The life and example of John Vianney serve as a powerful inspiration to all Christians, but especially to priests. The positive qualities of Jesus' ministers can immensely influence people and win them closer to God as shown in the life of John Vianney.
Priests are only human. Pride, ambition, greed, sensuality can blind a priest or bishop as they can blind other men. However, spiritual leaders have the obligation, by virtue of their high calling, to constantly strive to overcome their human frailties.
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Support seminarians. Our seminarians are now returning from the summer break. Under our Adopt-A-Seminarian scholarship program, may I appeal for help since parents are financially hard-up due to the long debilitating Covid pandemic.
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Donate any amount or sponsor a seminarian's schooling good for one year. For inquiry, e-mail me at: [email protected].