OUT OF EXCUSES

It is very difficult at times when we are confronted by the realities of life and people don't understand why we do things the way we do. It may sound confusing but it doesn't, for as long as we do it in the context of God's revelation in our life then we will experience the peace and joy that passes all understanding and it can not be denied. We are all preachers in our own right. The way we live our life is our preaching to others. Our very own lifestyle testifies to this since we preach not only by words. In fact St. Francis one of the greatest saints known said to use words only when necessary. Sometimes we wonder why certain things happen to us as if we have nothing to do with it. Again sometimes, we easily forget what we've done and act as if it's somebody else's fault but ours. Let us not put a curse upon ourselves by living in a way other than what the gospel of Christ teaches. It is very critical that we fulfill what is written. We have to abide not just in the letter but in the spirit. Amen. Hallelujah!

Galatians 1:6-12

6 Brother and sisters: I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel 7 (not that there is another). But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed! ...10 Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. 11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. 12 For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

If we know that we are standing on a firm and steady ground then we are confident that we are safe and secure. There is no doubt that the will of God will never take us where the grace of God will not protect us and will surely see us through for He is a truly reliable God. We have a God whom we can surely rely on. We've got to focus more on the bright and good side of life at all times because we have a great God who always works wonders in our lives. In this movie about Moses it struck me how many times he kept on reminding the people of God's covenant. Every time God shows His signs, wonders and miracles the people are filled with faith but it doesn't last for each time they easily forget and not remember. Let us always remind ourselves of these signs, wonders and miracles that happened a long time ago even up to the present time for it remains true forever and ever. We have been declared through Jesus as God's own for He has made a covenant with us, the work of His hands. Let us not set this aside or neglect and put ourselves in our rightful place as His people. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9, 10c

R: The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

1 I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. 2 Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights. (R) 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; sure are all his precepts, 8 reliable forever and ever, wrought in truth and equity. (R) 9 He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. 10 His praise endures forever.

Today's gospel is another beautiful story told by Jesus Himself. It is the story of the Good Samaritan. It has always been highlighted how we should follow the example of this Good Samaritan who defied the letter of the law to fulfill what is most important, the Spirit of the Law which is love and mercy. As some may already know, during that time priests and Levites were not allowed to mingle with people tainted with blood or something to that effect, or maybe of a different race. We Catholic Christians tend to be over anxious in strictly following the laws of God to the letter and then fail to recognize that the greatest law of God is love. Sometimes we are carried away and so anxious to follow the laws imposed on us and sometimes fail to realize that it is law that should serve us and not otherwise. God will always push the limits of goodness to the edge like there is no room for more. When we were asked during one of our bible studies, who the greatest story teller is, everybody answered, Jesus. The explanation given to us why there are lesser books in the New Testament as compared to the Old Testament is that Jesus belonged to a non writing culture then. Jesus' style and current tradition did not rely on written but oral teaching. This truth is emphasized by today's parable and encourages us to tell our own stories that can give glory to God as a way of following the footsteps of our Lord Jesus. No one could ever refute this bible passage in today's gospel. It contains everything we have to know and understand in order to inherit eternal life. It is just the part on who is our neighbor that is in question. Jesus answered well when he gave this example that even the person whom you consider your greatest enemy as in the case of a Jew and a Samaritan is still our neighbor. We run out of excuses that we just have to obey and follow. Amen. Hallelujah! 

Luke 10:25-37

25 There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27 He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 33 But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. 34 He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 37 He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”