The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Atilano Corcuera SVD – Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, Quezon City
Friday 3rd Week in Ordinary Time
Do we catch ourselves sometimes sighing with the rest of humanity, “Haay, pahirap nang pahirap ang buhay?” Do we sympathize with those who claim that they do not read, watch nor listen to the news anymore? Are we depressed with our present political, health and life situations?
If the answers are affirmative, then the good news for today speaks of us. It speaks of God’s kingdom that does not end in depression and nothingness. God’s kingdom of goodness and better things to come continues its march towards its fulfillment. Whether asleep or awake, be it day or night, the kingdom sprouts and grows.
Jesus inaugurates the kingdom of God with his arrival I our midst. It is “already” with us, but still moving towards the “not yet”; definitely moving, unstoppable. It is the good news of our faith.
Not that problems, tragedies, sickness, old age and death have been eradicated; but through life and in the midst of all these, the kingdom urges us to continue fighting for a better life and sowing its seeds. Seeds that might be as small as a mustard seed, but in the end will become “the largest of the plants” in the plan of God.
Even David’s sins (1st reading) which were premeditated, deliberate and cunningly executed would bring out in the end God’s mercy and goodness.
Does my faith give me hope for a better tomorrow? Do I actively participate in the fight against the “enemies” of god’s kingdom and spread goodness everywhere, everytime?
How I long to meet and to know people who are convinced “na paganda nang paganda ang buhay!” because of their living faith in the kingdom of God!
