Long before it happened

Jesus knows.

16 Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger[a] greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. 18 I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.’ 19 From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. 20 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”-John13:16-20

Jesus said, "I know those whom I have chosen." Despite Peter's denial of Jesus, His Majesty still chose him as His disciple. Despite the other disciples' abandonment of Jesus, His Majesty still chose them as His disciples. And despite Judas' betrayal, the truth is, Jesus still chose him as His disciple. If I were to see my future, and if I found out that this or that person will betray me later on, as early as now I am going to distance myself or avoid that person. But Jesus never sent Judas away because He knew that every body can change. Jesus said, "From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM." Jesus is preparing His disciples of what's going to happen. Perhaps this is also Jesus' way of saying to them all not to lose heart, not to despair, to be strong and to believe that He has forgiven them all long before the Passion and Crucifixion happened. Long before our miseries came to be, Jesus has a ready solution at hand. All we have to do is accept the outstretched hand He is offering to us.

Image courtesy: artist

The Role to Play

We all have a role to play, a purpose in life.

14 Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,[a] went to the chief priests 15 [b]and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, 16 and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,[c] the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 [d]He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” 19 The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”[e] 22 Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 24 [f]The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” 25 [g]Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

Every story has a villain, a hero, a climax, a turning point, a beginning, an end, a twist, etc. In our present reality, we do not want to be the 'Judas Iscariot' of the group. As I read the gospel reading, I cannot help but wonder if Judas' role is really the villain through and through. After all even Jesus said, "... but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Is Judas meant to be doomed even before his birth, then? It is true that Jesus is Love and He is an overflowing river of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Surely, there is room for forgiveness for Judas. However, because of despair, lacking in trust and faith, and guilt, Judas opted to kill himself rather than face Jesus. Perhaps Judas was afraid that he will not be forgiven. But then again, isn't it true that Jesus never condemns, never judges, always forgives, heals and gives many chances? If there is an alternative ending for Judas, I would like that he did not kill himself. I would have wanted that he asked for forgiveness, mercy and compassion, and that Jesus gave it to Him. His story will definitely be very remarkable, if it is the case. A perfect story for those who are wondering if there is forgiveness for those who sincerely ask for one despite one's sinfulness. The choice is ours if we want to take the road to destruction or the road to redemption. Jesus does not condemn. Despite knowing the plan of Judas, never did Jesus say in the group that the former is plotting evil against Him. This is a proof that Jesus continues to knock in all our hearts, and will never condemn. What will our choice be?

Image courtesy: artist

An endless river of mercy, forgiveness and compassion

God's endless mercy!

[53 Then each went to his own house, 1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.[b] 2 But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.[c] So what do you say?” 6 They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.[d] 7 [e]But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.”]-John8:1-11

One of my favorite acts of mercy of Jesus. The woman was caught in the very act of adultery, no doubt about that. (What about the man involved? Isn't it true that it takes '2 to tango?') The woman was not given a chance to defend herself and was given immediately a death sentence, no doubt about that. But Jesus never said, "It's your fault" or "You brought it upon yourself" or "You're not careful, that's why." Jesus never judged, never condemned even if the woman was more than guilty of adultery. He showed mercy, forgiveness and compassion. Rather than condemning like the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus gave new hope, healing and a brand new beginning to the woman. Jesus believed that there is something good in the woman and is capable of great change for herself.

Jesus, too, believes that we are capable of good and great changes for ourselves. He is here to support us, believe in us and be with us, even if there's no one around.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ

Best Plan

God knows how to upset the best of plans if it is not for our own good and/or it is not according to His plans.

16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.[a][b] 18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,[c] but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,[d] yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord[e] appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:23 [g]“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.-Matthew1:16-24

In Jewish tradition, betrothal is the first part of marriage. When a man takes his bride to his home, normal married life will then commence. If a woman commits infidelity during betrothal stage, it is considered adultery. Proved adultery (Intercourse with another man's wife from the first stage of marriage) is punishable by stoning. Joseph, as a righteous man - that is a devout observer of the Mosaic Law, is required to expose Mary's condition. However, Joseph gave a new meaning to righteousness by showing mercy and compassion. He does not want to expose Mary's shame and would divorce her quietly instead. A noble plan actually. But God intervenes and upsets Joseph's plan. God planned that Joseph will be the father figure of Jesus here on earth.

Like Joseph, we have created so many noble plans, so many good plans in our life. But not all noble and good plans are the best for us or God's will for us. Yes, God can upset the best of plans because He knows better and what is for own good.

Image courtesy: artist

Children of Light

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed."

14 And just as Moses lifted up[a] the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 [b]so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”16 For God so loved the world that he gave[c] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn[d] the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 [e]And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21 But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.-John3:14-21

Those who engage themselves in embezzlement of funds would do it in secret or behind closed doors. The men who enter into extra-marital affairs would do it in secret or in faraway places where they are not known at all. Even cheating during exams are done in secret or in a furtive way. Aren't we tired of secrets? Aren't we tired of constantly looking behind our backs? Aren't we tired of fear of being discovered? Aren't we tired of hiding? Aren't we tired of always explaining? Aren't we tired of lies? Aren't we tired of the heaviness in our hearts because we are guilty? Jesus does not condemn but He is inviting us to step into the light. Our actions may say we are evil or wicked, but the Light - that is Jesus - can purify us and make us brand new and whole once more. Jesus is full of mercy and compassion; He will wash us clean and free of the stains of sins. It is never too late to change and repent. Jesus is inviting us to be children of Light today! Now, let us put on the New Skin - the armor of Jesus.

Image courtesy: artist 

End your story right

Mercy and forgiveness should be a limitless act.

21 Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 [a]Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. 23 That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 24 [b]When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. 25 Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. 26 [c]At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 27 Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. 28 When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount.[d] He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29 Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. 31 Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. 32 His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. 33 Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ 34 Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.[e] 35 [f]So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”-Matthew18:21-35

Jesus' parable said it right. How absurd, isn't it, that when we have wronged others and ask for their forgiveness, we expect to be forgiven - right away if possible. When we have wronged God by committing a sin, we want to be forgiven. However, if there is a reversal of roles, and we are the ones wronged and being asked that we forgive others, we find it very difficult. Sometimes, we do not forgive at all.

Last year I watched a TV series about a wronged wife. Husband enters an affair. Wife finds out about it. Wife wants a temporary separation. Husband does not want the separation, begs for another chance and is willing to end his affair with his mistress. Now wife's dilemma is, should she forgive her husband and give him another chance, or should she push through with the separation (or divorce to some)? So many women said, "Give him another chance" while others said, "Let him go. There are better men out there anyway." I want to say to those women in the last category, "Mercy and forgiveness should be a limitless act. If God can forgive and give many chances again and again, we too can forgive and give many chances again and again. If God can forgive somebody with sincere and humble heart, who are we not to forgive somebody who asks for our forgiveness with a sincere and humble heart?" Once, I begged for mercy, forgiveness and another chance. But they did not give it to me. So now I know how it is like to beg and not be forgiven. Let us then be generous if we want others to be generous to us as well.

Image courtesy: artist 

Anger: A Root Cause

Anger is the root cause of all.

20 I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’[b] 22 [c]But I say to you, whoever is angry[d] with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.-Matthew5:20-26

Souls are purified and cleansed in purgatory before they are admitted in Heaven. Some people are 'rehabilitated' in prisons, asylums or medical facilities 'until they have paid the last penny' that is, until they have paid the consequences of their actions. But, as I reflected, it seems Jesus is somewhat saying we need not go into that by: 1) Agreeing to settle with an opponent, 2) Forgiving and/or asking for forgiveness, 3) Remaining silent in tense situations - that is, to refrain from cursing, condemning or uttering painful words, 4) Meekness and, 5) Freeing oneself from the root cause of it all - ANGER. Anger and jealousy drove Cain to kill Abel. Jacob fled to Laban out of fear of Esau's anger. Anger drove so many to commit murder, to 'kill' somebody by destroying their credibility as persons, to 'kill' somebody by condemning them or judging them, and so forth. As Lent continues, Jesus is inviting us to free ourselves from Anger, and to grow more in Love and Forgiveness.

Image courtesy: Bartolomeo Manfredi (Cain kills Abel) 

Repent!

Simply put - change and repent.

29 While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.-Luke11:29-32

A long time ago, Nineveh was perhaps a wicked place. Nobody knows exactly what the Ninevites did, but God wanted to destroy it unless the people repent. Jonah came with a mission from God, telling the Ninevites to repent and to hope that God will change His mind. God indeed changed His mind upon seeing the repentance of each and every creature. Today, the prophets of the Old and Jesus continue in crying out, "Repent!" But we are not listening at all. More and more unspeakable sinfulness and debaucheries are happening everyday. Change is not for some people only, but for all. Let us change before it is too late.

Image courtesy: artist

Storms of Life

Be still!

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”-Mark4:35-41

Once, I was in the middle of a storm in my life. Just like Jesus' disciples, I asked for God's help and mercy. In the Gospel reading, Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, then there was calm since the storm was silenced. But my own storm was not silenced. It proceeded in my life and left me with nothing. I felt, too, the highest abandonment from God. However, despite the fact that seemingly God abandoned me and the storm continued to wreck havoc in my life, I believe that in reality, God never left me because the storm never crushed my spirit and my faith. Rather than see the damage of the storm in my life or things that are lost, there is much to be thanked at, there is much accomplishment in me after the storm. Rather than look at what was gone, I looked at what is yet to be gained. Rather than see the "pounding and chiseling of the rock" (in my life) as punishment, I looked at it as a process that I need to undergo through so that the "diamond" in me will come out. The Whys and mysteries of life will be answered by God at the right time and place, but until that time comes, we are all invited to trust Him and His plan for us more than ever.

Painting by: Ludolf Backhuysen (Christ in Storm in the Sea)

Power of Speech

The power of speech!

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.-Mark1:21-28

Jesus taught with authority. He was a great speaker and teacher, thus, every body was always amazed and astonished at Him for He was not like the rest. How did He speak that made Him so effective? Jesus speaks of Words that build, and does not destroy. Jesus speaks of Words that uplift, and does not put down others. Jesus speaks of Words that heal, and does not pain. Jesus speaks of love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and not hatred, war, stubbornness of heart, revenge and the like. It is true that Jesus used strong words - like hypocrites - to address the Pharisees, scribes, teachers of the Law, and so many others. But, it was given to the rightful recipient of it. It was not meant to demean but to build. What about us? In this age of freedom of expression and speech, are we using it well - to build, heal, uplift, love, be merciful, be compassionate and be forgiving to others? Or are we using it to demean, destroy, put down or pain others even if they are not doing anything wrong? Are we hasty in giving a rude and nasty comment even if the person does no wrong to us? If we need to make a point, must we always resort to rudeness? Let us all bear in mind that the power of speech must be regulated or toned down one way or another. For if not, chaos is inevitable. Should we provoke or be bold with our words, we can still opt to tone it down or minimize the damage. If we fail to put a boundary or parameters on our freedom to express, all of us will go in a downward traverse where freedom of expression can be shown also through inhuman ways. Lastly, before we do something, all writers, artists and publishers must also bear in mind the impact of their words on its intended audience as well as those who might possibly be offended by it.

Image courtesy: artist

Wrapped into One

Many people come to Jesus.

7 [a]Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people [followed] from Galilee and from Judea. 8 Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. 9 He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. 10 He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 11 [b]And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” 12 He warned them sternly not to make him known.-Mark3:7-12

As I reflected on the Gospel reading, I wondered how it was during the time of Jesus when there was no crowd controllers, no security forces, everybody is desirous of touching Jesus on His clothes, hands, anywhere. What's with Jesus? It is mercy, compassion, forgiveness and love wrapped in His person. Jesus is inviting and encouraging us all to be agents of mercy, compassion, forgiveness and love to others as well. When was the last time we have shown mercy? compassion? forgiveness? love to others?

Image courtesy: Catholicmannight

I am Love

... to save life or destroy it?

1 [a]Again he entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched him closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. 5 Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. 6 [b]The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.-Mark3:1-6

God is Love. Our Creator is God. Therefore, we are created through love, in love and out of love. We are created after God's image and likeness, and love. We are primarily created to love and be loved also. Life should be about loving others and God. But God is so generous, that apart from love, we are blessed with more - intelligence, free will, conscience, artistry, and so much more. When our blessing is coupled with love, what a happy place the world will be! But, the hearts and minds of mankind are easily deceived. We burden ourselves with much Do's and Don'ts that we can even no longer remember why they even exist right from the start. We burden ourselves to be perfect citizens, but we lost the essence of why we are doing it. Jesus is reminding us all of Love. Laws without love is nothing. Perfection without love is nothing.

Image courtesy: artist

Loves righteously

Mercy and Love.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God is with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son,and he gave him the name Jesus.-Matthew1:18-25

Righteous means (of a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous. A righteous person conforms to or in conformity with the moral law. I think, then, that this type of person will do and follow what is exactly written especially by the moral law. According to the Law, a woman found to be with child out of wedlock faces banishment or stoning to death depending on the situation. In Mary's case, supposing Joseph declared that the child is not his and supposing that no one would believe that her child is the Holy Spirit's work, she faces either banishment and/or execution of both mother and child. But Joseph has shown mercy and compassion. Instead of putting her to shame - which is actually what he should have done as a righteous man - he opted for a quiet divorce. Divorce is not a good thing too. But compared to death sentence, divorce is probably much better instead, considering that Mary and her child would be banished and not put to death. But God has better plans. God protected Mary and Jesus by revealing to Joseph in a dream that the child is the Savior and Mary conceived not out of sin, but through the Holy Spirit. Mary and her Child were given a home and a good man that will care for them both.

God is rich in mercy and compassion. Even the most evil of men is forgiven by God and will be embraced by Him should s/he repent. Joseph probably was much pained by Mary's pregnancy knowing that it was not his. But instead of being angry at her, hating her or putting her to shame, he has shown mercy, compassion and love which is a true indicator that Joseph had the grace to have a heart similar to God. Not all injustices should be paid equally by blood. Not all pains should be equally paid by pain. Not all wrongs should be equally paid by shame and disgrace. What do you prefer? A righteous world where love is absent? Or a world that loves and forgives righteously?

Image courtesy: clker and artist

Yeast again!

Hypocrisy! That terrible yeast again!

10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.-Luke13:10-17

As I read and reflected the Gospel, I was struck by a few points. 1) Importance of Sabbath, 2) Jesus is merciful, 3) Hypocrisy, and 4) Life.

Importance of Sabbath. Sabbath is the Lord's Day, God's Day, a day of rest with God, a day of prayer, Mass and Church services. Because it is Sabbath, any work is forbidden for the Jews. This includes healing, strenuous activities and other strong movements like walking more than a mile. That's why the synagogue leader's reaction is pretty normal. It was clear as water that healing happened on a Sabbath. However, the hypocrisy is too much because each and every person who owned an ox or a donkey would bother to untie the animal and lead it to the water even if it meant disregarding a Sabbath requirement. "My donkey might get thirsty and die." "I just bought this horse. It cost me much. I should take care of my investment. I know it's Sabbath but... my horse might get thirsty and die. I just have to take care of it." Strange isn't it? We can be very concerned with our dogs, cats and other animals. But we can turn our heads away and be oblivious of our neighbor's difficulty. Today, this hypocrisy lives. 

There are many campaigns against preservation of whales, sharks, turtles and other marine life for the future generation. There are movements to preserve big cats like lions, tigers and leopards for the future. There are organizations protecting wildlife like pandas, bears and other almost-extinct species. Yet, the irony of it all - some of us nod on anti-life practices like abortion, death-penalty and euthanasia. These people justify it by saying it helps in depopulation, it saves the mother from unwanted pregnancy, it saves the mother from trauma of having an unwanted child, freedom of choice, removing 'cancers' in the society, saving the family from burden, etc. In short, acts of evil wrapped in a beautiful box. Why are we waging war against our very own race?

Despite being in a bad light, the synagogue leader has a point in preserving the sacredness of the Sabbath by doing no work. It is just so saddening to see many institutions, organizations, people and businesses treating the Sabbath - or Sunday for many of us - as just an ordinary day still. Many still go to work. God has given us 6 days already for work. But why do we still have to use the one day with the Lord for work?

Jesus is merciful. Yes, full of mercy to us all. The woman in the story was just there perhaps quietly asking for healing. Wish granted! Jesus approached her and healed her. God knows all our needs. The truth is, even before we open our mouth and asked for help, God is already on His way taking good care of our immediate needs and those that are still to follow.

Help is there, only waiting to happen at the right time and place. Sabbath or Sunday is about God. God is love. All the acts that we do in the name of love - whether on a Sabbath or in an ordinary day - are known and appreciated by God. If we are merciful and only loving to others, God will not be angered for He is love and mercy.

Image courtesy: H. Copping; Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo; The End of the Working Day (Brooklyn Museum); various artists