Born poor in Bethlehem, reared and grew in a simple home in Nazareth, walked in the villages and countryside with ordinary people who were used to hearing him speak about love, mercy and forgiveness, but in a sudden twist of his language, he said that, “ he came to set the earth on fire and how he wishes that it were blazing already….and he came to establish not peace on earth but division.” (Lk. 12: 49-51). His words must have disturbed the minds of his listeners.
Jesus knew that his words and teachings will be received, understood and interpreted in different ways by people. The Parable of the Sower in St. Luke’s Gospel 8:13-16 where the Word of God is symbolized by the seed that falls on the path with no soil, on rocky ground with little soil, and on soil which contained thorns attests to the various ways of acceptance of God’s Word in peoples’ lives.
Jesus’ teaching about charity and honesty should disturb the consciences of those who use others for their own selfish motives, those who exploit the poor or covet their neighbor’s goods. Jesus’ teaching about faithfulness to marriage vow should disturb the consciences of those who covet someone’s spouse, or engage in extra-marital affairs. Some people are forced to keep quite even if they see some wrongdoing in their workplace for fear of reprisal while others prefer to tell lies to cover up their evil deeds or to save face. They should be disturbed by the Lord’s warning that nothing is hidden that will not be known. (Lk. 8:17).
Have you pretended to agree with someone’s lies just to please that person? Did you close your eyes condoning your boss’ misdeeds or even a family member? Did you at one point agree with some conversations favoring abortion? God’s Word should disturb you to change and repent being complicit to evil ways.
Are you sad and irritable? Is it because you don’t get much attention when you think you should? Or you failed to manipulate things and people to revolve around yourself? Stop thinking that you’re important or the center, you are not, God is. There was a preacher who gave long sermons and people called him not “reverend” but “never end.”
Someone said that nothing is permanent. Don’t stress yourself too much because no matter how bad the situation is, it will change. The sun is alone too, but still shines. Let your faith be stronger than your fear. No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart. Be a little drop of love in someone’s ocean of pain. A mistake that makes you humble, is better than achievement that makes you proud and arrogant. Be good to others, it comes back in unexpected ways. Save your feeling for someone who cares. The best revenge is no revenge, move on and be happy. Every pain gives a lesson, and every lesson changes a person. Judge me when you are perfect. No matter how good you are, people will judge you according to their mood and needs. Before you assume, try this crazy method called,” asking.” I would rather be known on life as an honest sinner than a lying hypocrite. There are two kinds of pain; pain that hurts you and pain that changes you. In life, what you really want won’t come easy. Be careful whom you push away, some of us don’t come back. It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life. Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity. Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching. Every time you get upset, ask yourself if you were to die tomorrow, was it worth wasting your time being angry? Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote: “Great love can change small things into great ones, and it is only love which lends value to our actions.” (Diary no. 303.)
Pray the Divine Mercy prayer every 3 p.m. Daily pray the Chaplet of Mercy for peace in our families and in the world.