WORD ALIVE

According to a Jewish legend, when God was about to create man, he consulted the angels that stood about his throne.

“Create him not,” said the angel of Justice. “For he will commit all kinds of wickedness against his fellowman; he will be cruel and dishonest and unrighteous.” 

The angel of Truth said, “Create him not for he will be false and deceitful to his brothers and sisters and even to You.” 

Then the angel of Mercy stepped forward and said, “Heavenly Father, create him, for when he sins and turns from the path of right and truth and holiness, I’ll take him tenderly by the hand and speak loving words to him and then lead him back to You.” 

 And God, following the counsel of the angel of Mercy, created man. 

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The story illustrates Christ's message in the gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Lent: "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (Jn. 3,16).

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The Old Testament episode in the desert demonstrates this reality as indicated in today’s gospel. After the exodus from Egypt returning to Palestine, the Israelites found the way blocked and had to skirt Edom.

The people grumbled against God and Moses about the detour. God punished the grouchy people by sending poisonous snakes. 

But then in his mercy, he commanded Moses to make a bronze serpent and erected it as a standard. The people who were bitten were cured by turning in faith toward the bronze serpent which Moses had elevated (Numbers 21,8). 

Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so was the Son of God lifted up on the cross. 

By the way, do you know that the medical profession chose the image of the snake coiled around a pole as the symbol of healing?

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Some of us may think that this overbending image of God depicts him as too soft and weak. Consider corrupt officials, hold-uppers, rapists and murderers abusing His goodness and breaking his commandments.

But that’s the way God loves us. His kindness, patience, and “ocean of mercy” gives us all the chances to change, to start a new life while we are still in this world.

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The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called “Laetare” (Latin for rejoice) Sunday. The reason is that even for the most depraved sinner, there is hope.

On the reverse side: Let’s not abuse the kindness of God. In Jesus’ Parable of the Wheat and Weeds (read Matthew 13, 24-43) the Lord warns us that in the time of reckoning or judgment, the “bad grass” (masasamang damo) will be bundled up and thrown into the fire (hell).

Hence, the gospel today is both a message of hope and a warning.

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Action: “When you hear His voice, harden not your hearts (to reform).”

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Stories to ponder – Once a priest was walking alone in a dark alley, when suddenly a burly guy sidled beside him and poked a knife at his rib. "Akin na ang wallet mo” (Give me your wallet), he growled. 

“Anak, nagkakamali ka” (Son, you're mistaken), the priest said, “ako ang cura paroko dito sa malapit na parokya” (I'm the pastor of the nearby parish).” 

Upon hearing this, the hold-upper changed his tone and sheepishly said, “Ah sorry, Father.” 

Wanting to befriend the guy, the pastor offered a cigarette. To which he replied: “Sorry, Father, cuaresma ngayon; ako’y nag aayuno sa paninigarilyo” (it’s Lent and I'm fasting from smoking).

The guy’s Lenten fasting is admirable but he is engaged in hold-upping.

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A corrupt cop always extorted “tong” (bribe) from traffic violators. One weekend, he attended a Lenten LSS (Life in the Spirit Seminar). When he returned to his post, he no longer asked for tong…but “love offering.”

A conversion?

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7 Last Words. The SVD Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. will telecast online over ABS-CBN (Kapamilya channel) the “7 Last Words” on Good Friday, March 29 at 12-3 p.m. Join us at the Divine Word Shrine in Christ the King Seminary, E. Rodriguez Blvd., QC or through your mobile phone or e-mail.

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