Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Atilano Corcuera SVD – Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Friday 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
A young man who had been studying Martial Arts for six years was getting impatient, because he had not yet met an evil individual against whom he could put into use all his martial-art know-how. After consulting his teacher about his problem, he received a simple cryptic advice, “Remember, what you study is a way to peace.” How could Karate be a way to peace? He reflected.
Then one day while riding a bus, there was a drunk inside harassing the passengers. The young man saw the opportunity he had been waiting for. At last he could test the long hours he had labored to master his art. As he watched the drunk come closer, he closed his fists and breather deeply ready to spring unto the man. Unexpectedly however, an old man who was sitting beside him, gently but firmly called the troublemaker and motioned him to sit down next to him. Startled the drunk obediently sat down. The old man held his hand and like a father asked what his problems were. Seeing someone was interested in him, the drunk broke down, wept and poured out to the old man why he was in such a sad state. The young man who was ready to stop the drunk with his iron fists suddenly realized what his teacher meant when he said that his art was a way to peace.
Something like this happened in the first reading today (Year 2). David and his soldiers could have slaughtered Saul who was seeking to kill him. Instead, David talked to his men to spare the life of his persecutor; thus, showing another kind of strength much superior to violence, a strength that paves the way to peace and reconciliation.
The same mission is given to the apostles in the Gospel. To preach the way of love, healing, forgiveness and goodness to a world that is immersed in the culture of death brought about by selfishness.
We who have been baptized in God’s name can do no less. God’s way is our way.
