Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Mark Angelo Ramos SVD – Madrid, Spain
Thursday 12th Week in Ordinary Time
When I was ordained a deacon, I was given the authority to preach what I read, to teach what I believe, and practice what I teach. As a priest, I am tasked to carry out that authority in the manner that Christ did.
When Jesus started his public ministry, people were amazed by the manner he conducted himself and the way he carried out His teaching ministry. He showed a new methodology described by Matthew as “one having authority.”
The Filipino translation “tulad ng isang may kapangyarihan” includes “kapangyarihan” (authority) and in it, “yari” (make, done) – something to do with “pangyayari” (happening) or “paggawa” (doing). This I believe is what St. Matthew wanted to bring out: Jesus’ teaching methodology is through words and deeds. Being the WORD made FLESH, his “kapangyarihan,” contrary to today’s concept of authority (as power over subordinates), is about the ability to bring into reality what he is saying: “NAPANGYAYARI niya ang kanyang sinasabi.” His is a creative authority. He is the Creative Word of God.
Jesus’ methodology is not easy to imitate. It’s easy to prepare a homily. To deliver it is a bit challenging. But the difficult thing is the action part. Many times I have fallen into hypocrisy because of lack of action. However, this doesn’t mean I will stop preaching Christ and doing it in His name. If every fallen person is discouraged from speaking what is good, no one will speak.
I constantly pray that the Word of God will go deeper inside me so that I can teach “tulad ng isang may kapangyarihan” (like one who can bring into reality every word that I utter).
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