Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Wilfredo Saniel SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Tuesday 12th Week in Ordinary Time
Oftentimes, difficult or seemingly impossible situations become the very venues God uses to teach us that He is in charge. A young mother living abroad, after giving birth to her first child, called her own mother in the Philippines with trembling voice: “How will I be able to sustain and care for this new life? I never studied motherhood.” Her mother gently replied: “Have faith in God and use your heart. God entrusted this child to you, and with His help you will be a good mother.” Three years later, the young mother proudly introduced her child — now a budding violinist.
When Jesus told His disciples not to give what is holy to dogs or toss pearls before swine (cf. Matthew 7:6), He was opening their eyes to God’s presence in ordinary events, showing that He makes possible what seems impossible. The first reading recalls how God saved Judah against a powerful advancing army — His power made manifest in history. By the Incarnation, human history itself has been made sacred. Just as Jesus’ divinity was hidden in His humanity, so too God’s mysterious presence is magnified in the events of our lives.
Thus, Jesus urges His disciples to enter the “narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13–14). This gate represents the depth of spiritual life, where few dare to enter. Yet it is precisely through this gate that believers experience God’s power in humanly impossible situations.
In our own difficulties, we turn to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. She too faced the mystery of the impossible when she asked: “How can this be, since I do not have relations with a man?” (Luke 1:34). With her intercession, nothing is impossible, for she leads us to her Son — the Divine Word — who transforms impossibility into grace.
Prayer: Mary, Mother of the Divine Word, lead us to a living experience of the powerful mystery of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
