The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Antonio Pegon SVD – Rizal, Palawan
Saturday 5th Week of Easter
Paul studied in a Catholic institution from Grade I to college. As a licensed engineer, he worked at the Department of Public Works and Highways in his province. His dedication earned him praise and eventually a promotion to Manila.
Even in the busyness of his work, Paul remained faithful to his religious practices — Sunday Mass, Wednesday novena, and prayer. His colleagues noticed his difference and ridiculed him, but Paul remembered the words of Scripture: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). He continued to be kind.
Gradually, Paul became a conscience to his peers. He refused bribes and exposed corruption, realizing that dishonesty had become the “normal way” in his department. Rather than succumb, Paul chose to leave. After attending a charismatic renewal seminar, he discerned a call to priesthood. Today, Paul is a missionary in South America, joyfully serving God’s people.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus contrasts the world under the influence of the devil with the world under the reign of God (John 12:31; John 16:33). Paul’s story reflects this struggle. A true follower of Christ resists the allure of prestige, honor, power, and wealth. As Jesus said: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Here we also recall Jesus’ words in John 15:18–21: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” Paul experienced this rejection when his colleagues mocked his faith and integrity. Yet, like Christ, he endured it with patience, knowing that discipleship often means standing apart from the world’s values.
Paul’s journey reminds us that discipleship means integrity, courage, and fidelity to Christ. The world may ridicule or reject us, but Jesus has already prepared us for this reality. To remain faithful is to remain in Him, even when the world resists.
“Lord Jesus, help me to resist the allurements of the world, to endure rejection with love, and to remain faithful to You, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
