Once upon a time, there was a young woman who found herself becoming increasingly impatient at an old man who seemed to be taking forever to place his order at the first window of a fast food drive-thru. Frustration got the best of her, and she couldn’t resist honking her horn to express her annoyance. Little did she know, this small act of impatience would have unexpected consequences.
As the old man reached the second window, he surprised both the young woman and the cashier by graciously paying for not only his own order but also for hers. It was a gesture of kindness that caught everyone off guard. Confused and perhaps feeling a bit remorseful, the young woman watched as the old man moved to the third window to collect his order. To her astonishment, he also picked up her order, leaving her to go back to the start of the line in order to place her order all over again.
This simple anecdote serves as a reminder of the teachings found in today’s Gospel, specifically in Matthew 16:21-27. Jesus tells us that the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory and will judge each of us according to our actions. This means that there will be a final judgment, a definitive assessment of how we lived our lives. We must strive not to be found wanting on that day.
Reflecting on our story, perhaps the young woman should have shown more patience and understanding, while the old man could have chosen not to seek revenge. The Gospel challenges all of us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. It reminds us that our thinking should not align with human desires alone but should also encompass God’s perspective.
Far too often, we rely solely on our own understanding and forget to seek guidance from God. Let us not become so consumed with our own opinions that we exclude God from our decision-making process. He possesses a broader viewpoint and can provide wisdom that surpasses our own. As Proverbs 3:5 advises, we should trust the Lord with all our hearts and avoid leaning solely on our own understanding.
It’s crucial to set aside pride and acknowledge that there is a divine being greater than ourselves. By embracing this perspective, we can embark on a journey to God’s heart and live our lives for something or someone greater than our individual needs and desires. It’s important to be considerate and mindful of others along the way, just as the old man demonstrated in our story. The Lord warns us that gaining worldly possessions at the expense of our own lives brings us no true profit.
Living out God’s will is not an easy task. It requires sacrifice and stepping outside of our comfort zones. The journey to God’s heart is synonymous with carrying our crosses, but it is also an adventure filled with surprises and joy that the world cannot provide or take away. Even though it may be the road less traveled, it leads us to a life of authenticity and generosity. As Jesus said, whoever is willing to lose their life for His sake will ultimately find it.
Today, we celebrate the birthday of Mama Mary. The best gift we can offer her is to follow and serve her son wholeheartedly. We can pay tribute to our humble and loving Mother by cultivating humility towards God and showing respect and kindness to our fellow human beings. By doing so, we can continue our journey to God’s heart without arrogance or pride.
Additionally, we extend our warm wishes to the Society of the Divine Word on their birthday. As a member of this religious-missionary congregation, I am grateful to be part of a team that spreads the light of the Word and the spirit of grace, ensuring that the heart of Jesus resides within us all. Personally, this congregation has supported me on my own journey to God’s heart, and for that, I am immensely thankful.
Lastly, I would like to share my upcoming mission trips: San Guillermo, Isabela on September 4th at 5 p.m., Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya on September 5th at 5 p.m., and Baguio City on September 7th at 9 a.m. during the Cathedral Mass.
As you go about your daily life, take a moment to consider whether you have become too absorbed in material possessions, personal concerns, or the fleeting trends of society. Don’t forget your relationship with God, your purpose in life, your physical and mental well-being, your inner peace, and the need for rest. It’s essential to maintain a balance and keep your priorities in check.
In conclusion, let us remember that love is the key that opens doors. Let us pray that the Lord constantly reminds us of this truth and guides us towards a life filled with love, compassion, and understanding. Amen.
If you have any thoughts or would like to reach out, feel free to contact me at [email protected].
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