Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Sister Ancille SSpS – Holy Spirit Convent, Quezon City
Tuesday 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Brothers Richard (29) and Ralgy Serrantes (22) lived in a modest house along a riverbank in Makati. They possessed little in terms of material wealth and social standing. They lived not far from people of privilege, yet their own lives were simple and unassuming. If ever they had been invited to dine with the rich and powerful, they might not have had much to display in terms of possessions or social graces. But one evening, they revealed something far greater: the nobility of their hearts.
On March 8, 2005, they witnessed a boat capsize, with its passengers struggling desperately in the water. Without hesitation, both brothers plunged into the river to rescue as many people as they could. Ralgy had already saved two passengers when he noticed Richard fighting to stay afloat in the middle of the river. He rushed to help his brother, but both disappeared beneath the dark waters and never resurfaced.
These two brothers did more than give alms; they gave their lives for others. Their sacrifice reminds us of the words of Jesus:
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
They may have appeared insignificant in the eyes of the world, but in God’s eyes they were rich in courage, compassion, and love. Their actions reveal what truly matters. As Jesus teaches:
“A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good” (Luke 6:45).
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns the Pharisees against focusing merely on outward appearances while neglecting what is most important within. He says:
“You cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filled with plunder and evil” (Luke 11:39).
The story of Richard and Ralgy is the exact opposite. They may not have possessed much externally, but inwardly they were filled with the kind of goodness that reflects the heart of God. Their final act revealed the truth of their character.
As Christians, we are often tempted to measure success by wealth, influence, recognition, or accomplishments. Yet God measures us differently. He looks at the heart. As He told the prophet Samuel:
“Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
The story of these brothers challenges us to examine our own lives.
- Am I aware of the many opportunities God gives me each day to live out my Christian vocation?
- Do I recognize the moments when I can show kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion?
- What concerns, ambitions, fears, or attachments distract me from becoming the person God calls me to be?
True holiness is often found not in extraordinary achievements but in ordinary acts of self-giving love. Every day presents opportunities to choose between self-interest and service, between indifference and compassion, between comfort and sacrifice.
Richard and Ralgy remind us that the value of a life is not measured by how much we possess, but by how much we are willing to give.
May we ask the Lord for hearts that are clean, generous, and courageous. And may our lives bear witness to the truth proclaimed by St. Paul:
“Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves”(Philippians 2:3).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You gave Your life out of love for us. Teach us to look beyond appearances and to cultivate hearts filled with kindness, compassion, and generosity. Open our eyes to the opportunities You place before us each day to serve others. May we have the courage to put love into action and to become living signs of Your presence in the world. Amen.
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