Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Emil Pati, SVD — SVD PHN, San Fernando, La Union
Friday 28th Week in Ordinary Time
On one occasion, I concelebrated with the Bishop of San Fernando de La Union Diocese at the Mt. Carmel of the Holy Family Monastery. During that time, wearing a face mask was mandatory due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When gazing at the people attending the Holy Mass, including the Carmelite Sisters, it amazed me to realize how the wearing of face masks could hide one’s real identity. Suddenly, everybody was a complete stranger. But during Holy Communion and face masks were temporarily taken off, the whole church became doubly brighter when once again everybody was recognizable.
It is important to realize the fragility of life that depends on the externals. We may not readily admit, but the truth of the matter is, we are fond of “judging books by their covers.” Ultimately though, inside those pretenses and ‘masks,’ God sees us for who we truly are.
“What is hidden will be uncovered, everything now hidden will be made clear,” Jesus tells his disciples in today’s Gospel. This exposes the futility of pretending to be ‘who’ a person is not. It is a solid reminder to the disciples and for all of us today.
Before the God of Truth (1st Reading, Year 1), all things are laid bare. All ‘masks’ will be taken off! Then we come to realize that our worthiness does not depend on our own efforts, schemes, or the opinion of others but lies with God who immeasurably values us.
Indeed, he is a God who has counted every hair on our head and does not forget the least of his creatures, even the sparrows.
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