THE GOSPEL Acclamation summarizes the essence of these readings: 1 Jn 2:5. "Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him."
Since January, we meet for sessions in the CLC (Christian Life Community) called Bawat Isa Mahalaga where we are made to reflect on topics for the week and discussions on Saturday via zoom. Restore, Reconcile, Renewed are some of the Topics we have discussed.
More than an intellectual discussion it is reflective allowing us to deepen our awareness of sin, corruption, environment and the ills of the world and a personal transformation. I am blessed to listen to the wisdom of members who have reached 60 years old and above. I have learned that the fire of idealism can also turn people off by way of calling-out what is true.
On the one hand it is not a "passive", meek and quiet non-confrontational response to wrongdoing. Fr. Chan-Gonzaga, SJ, in his homily says our actions must engage the other. We can be caught up in our perfect notions of ourselves and the tendency to be self-righteous like the religious leaders in the time of Jesus.
However, from the sharing of lived experience of people who witnessed to following Jesus in the way they lived, there was a new approach in dealing with the world through love and compassion. Jesus led us to seek out the sinner yet he forgave. Fr. IG, further says we live in a "broken yet beautiful world, in need of compassion. Love never counts, never measures, love always engages."
I looked at my life and asked myself how do I forgive the people who have hurt me deeply, persecuted me, destroyed me and sued me? Logically, the teaching of Jesus is acceptable but actualizing it is difficult. I hear of a brillant economic leader in his senior year, tired of the struggle and unwilling to be branded as corrupt by a cruel world.
The Gospel teaches: "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?...So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
I bear in mind the service to Zamboanga City. Pouring in so much love and in the end left with all the trials I carry. Is this all worth it? I reflect on this now as we commemorate EDSA REVOLUTION reminding me love and hope for the country. I reflect on my state as we celebrate Dia de Zamboanga. I recall the song from the Chorus Line, nearing my husband's 40th Day and our 14th Wedding Anniversary and Uncle Cesar's birthday. Following Jesus our Model we can contemplate in his great love for us and suffering, by God's grace can we forgive all who wronged us.
"What I did for Love,"-
"Love is never gone
As we travel on
Love's what we'll remember
Kiss today goodbye
And point me toward tomorrow
We did what we had to do
Won't forget, can't regret
What I did for
Love" (MBC)
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