By: Bro. Jenel M. Tismo, C.Ss. R. | Province of Cebu
I remember during my Novitiate in Lipa. My favorite place to waste time was on the veranda of the common room. I saw how the trees' leaves fell, and the yellow Narra flowers colored the ground. After visiting the blessed sacraments, it became routine to clean the front side of the building and the gym. Every day, it is the same dry leaf I gather. Sometimes, while cleaning, I ask myself, why am I there cleaning? Should I stop cleaning, or should I continue? The question I asked myself led me to contemplation. Thanking the Lord for his love and kindness. I thank the Lord that in a simple little way, in this simple act of kindness, he made me a witness to it. And if, in that simple act of kindness, I made to glorify God, then I continue.
Brothers, anything that we are going to do in life, our decisions must be rooted in faith—faith in Jesus. Whatever we believe is good for us, should bring goodness to our brothers, and should bring us closer to Jesus. St. Paul, emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Jesus Christ, not external adherence to the law or outward appearance. He reminded us that our relationship with God is not based on our own merits but on God's grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Similarly, in St. Luke's Gospel, we can see Jesus confronting the Pharisees for their lack of sincerity and devotion. It's important to reflect on our spiritual journey and ask ourselves if we are placing more importance on outward formalities rather than fostering a genuine connection with God. Let us examine our hearts and ensure that we are not like the Pharisees, who focused on religious practices but neglected the essential aspects of faith, including kindness, humility, and love.
Bothers, today's readings remind us that it is not enough to go through the motions of religious practice and cultivate an honest and sincere relationship with God. We are called to love justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with our God rather than simply going through the motions of religious practice. To love God is to be true in our hearts and prayers. To be faithful in our promise, the vows that we profess on the altar of the Lord. To walk humbly with Jesus is to read the scriptures reading, is the only way to know Jesus better. To love and show mercy is to be with the poor, to journey with them, in their joys and sorry in life. And to be a witness to how Jesus transformed their life. May our actions and decisions be rooted not in our glorification, but in the love of Christ Jesus.
For we have nothing to boast about ourselves. For it is only through faith can we be sanctified by God, in Christ Jesus —a genuine faith and obedience to God rather than mere external appearances. May our relationship with God be rooted in his grace and our response to that grace through faith and obedience. May everything we do, great or small act with kindness and humility and always thank God for the grace, amen. Hinaut pa unta.
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