Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Flavie Villanueva SVD – Saint Arnold Kalinga Center, Catholic Trade Manila
Friday 25th Week in Ordinary Time
Alberto, a beneficiary of the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center’s Kain-Aral- Ligo-NG-Ayos (Eat-Study-Bath-Tidy) program, now sells “scramble” (snow cone). He said the last time he went to Kalinga, he found himself standing before the mirror and reading the sign posted on it: “I’m clean now, I will value this, my life can change.” It touched him and made him say to himself, “I will start anew!” He also asked, “Can I come back and offer my snow cones to the children and whoever wishes?” Speechless, I just hugged him and whispered my thanksgiving.
Before the mirror, we see ourselves as we are. However, when we stay and look intently into ourselves, we reflect on Jesus telling us, “You are cleansed, you are precious and with Me you can start anew!”
The twofold inquiry of Jesus beginning with,“Who do crowds say that I am?” depicts one’s knowledge of Jesus from a popular or common viewpoint. But the second query, “Who do you say that I am?”relates to a more personal experience, knowledge and relationship with Jesus.
When Peter responded, “You are the Messiah of God,” two things happened to Peter. First, he was rebuked by Jesus. Second, Jesus took the opportunity to recognize Peter and exclaimed, “…you are Peter, and upon this Rock I will build my Church” (Mt.16: 13-20). Peter’s confession led him to becoming the leader of the Apostles and eventually the 1st Pope who laid the foundations of the faith and life of the early Christian Community, from which we trace our roots and traditions.
Thus, Alberto and Peter somewhat share the same experience. Both of them looked intently at themselves and went beyond seeing their dirty and aimless selves. That’s what happens when we dare to follow and gaze intently on Jesus.
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