By Fr. BEL R. SAN LUIS, SVD
SOME years ago, some companions and I made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem. Among the spots we visited was the tomb of King David, highly revered by all the Jews.
The Jewish lady guide graciously showed us around David’s shrine and explained the great significance of the hallowed place.
* * *
While we were standing beside King David’s tomb, I asked: "What about Jesus Christ? How do you regard Him?"
The lady looked at me, her face stiffening. Losing her serene composure, she said angrily, "Jesus Christ was an impostor. He divided our country; He doesn’t mean anything to us."
* * *
I was taken aback. I didn’t realize the issue was that touchy. Embarrassed before my fellow pilgrims, I slowly backed out of the group and went out. With the lady’s dagger look, I was afraid there might be one more to be buried in the shrine!
For the record, although there are now some Jews who acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, like the "Jews for Jesus" Movement, Judaism as an established religion, which rejects Jesus the Christ, is still waiting for the coming of the Messiah or the "Second David."
* * *
Despite the miracles and good works Jesus did to His countrymen, He was rejected and ended up being crucified.
Thus in this 21st Sunday’s gospel, the Lord said: "There are those last now who will be first, and first now who will be last" (Lk 13:30).
* * *
What Christ meant is there will be a reversal of places and surprises in God’s kingdom. He was referring to the Israelites, the chosen people, who were privileged to "eat and drink in his company" and who believed that blood descent from Abraham or being a Jew was a sure-fire guarantee of salvation.
* * *
Christ declares, however, that this is not the case. He adds a stern warning that one must work and work hard to gain one’s salvation. "You must enter through the narrow door" (Lk 13:24). God’s kingdom is not for the easy-going, the lazy, the irresponsible.
The words of Christ apply to us Catholics and Christians, too. We became members of the new people of God, the Church, not through physical descent from Abraham, but through the spiritual birth of baptism.
* * *
However, membership in the church or merely fulfilling a checklist of "minimum obligations" is no guarantee for salvation.
What’s required is a faith that bears fruit in works of love and a piety consistent with one’s conduct and vocation in life.
* * *
When I was assigned as a new priest at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Cubao, Quezon City, there was a highranking government official I knew who, after office hours, would proceed to the parish to participate in the activities of the Legion of Mary, some of which were visiting families mostly in the depressed areas or visiting prisoners.
* * *
These humbling acts were all voluntary and in no way easy. It’s an example of entering through the narrow door.
Entering through the narrow door can also mean fidelity to the will of God in situations that are difficult, like avoiding occasions of sin or being faithful to one’s spouse when the temptation is strong to have a fling with a more attractive woman. Or, to be honest when one is tempted to receive kickbacks and bribes in exchange for some favors.
* * *
Entering through the narrow door can also mean doing things you may not enjoy doing, like going to Mass on Sunday or visiting a sick relative when watching a favorite TV program or playing basketball is more appealing.
When we are steadfastly striving "to enter through the narrow door," we may be surprised to discover one day that our cross became our crown, our struggle became our glory, and our last place became our first place.
* * *
ERRATUM. In my last Wednesday column, I wrote about the death of Bishop Manuel, SVD, DD. There was an error on the date of his interment which will be held in San Jose, Occ. Mindoro. It is not August 24, as indicated, but August 27 (Monday) at 2.p.m.
* * *
TV MASSES — "The Healing Eucharist," produced by the SVD Mission
Communications Foundation, Inc., is aired every Sunday at 7-8 a.m. on ABS-CBN, Channel 2. This Sunday’s Sponsor: Manel’s, Aqua Soft Lens, and others. Celebrant: Fr. Glen Paul GOMEZ, SVD.
* * *
Its sister program, FAMILY TV MASS, is aired every Sunday on IBC 13 at 9-10 a.m. Sponsor: King’s Garden, Divine Mercy Chapel, Victoria, Laguna on the feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Celebrant: Fr. Vic ROBLES.
* * *
Donations for Mass intentions are most welcome. Names of donors/sponsors will be gratefully acknowledged in the TV Masses.
For inquiries, call tel. 726-5002 or 7233343. E-mail: tvmass_svd@yahoo.com.
|
