Daily Reflections - February 6,2013

THE TROUBLE WITH HUMANS

 

It is said that the best way to spoil your day is to read and take to heart all the headlines in the newspapers, and listen to all the sharp commentaries from radio announcers. More often than not, they will sadden and jolt you by underlining unpleasant issues and developments. Even when featuring personalities, such as politicians, sports and entertainment luminaries, media people cannot help but throw the spotlight on intrigues and tragedies that wrap the person’s life!

The event in Nazareth in our Gospel today makes us realize one thing: it seems part of our human nature to question the goodness of a person. Hence, the expression “to prove oneself.” There is a need to earn honor, respect and recognition.

But the biblical view of humanity begins with an exalted image of every human person: man and woman made in the “image and likeness of God.” Aside from that, the human person is shown as the one with whom Jesus Incarnate decided to be with. Then, the Apostle Paul speaks of each person as the “temple of the Holy Spirit.”

Where humanity has rendered unfavorable judgment, God’s ways in Jesus underscore compassion. The world pays too much attention to reputation and, as far as it is concerned, Matthew the tax collector, Zacchaeus, Mary of Magdala, the Samaritan woman who came to the well at noon, and the woman caught in adultery, all had very bad stories about them. To Jesus, though, they were persons in need of fresh opportunities and renewed trust so that their innate goodness could shine.

When Jesus became human like us, He did not just immerse Himself with our pains and brokenness. He showed deep knowledge about our human ways. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How can you be less of a critic and more of an encourager? List down persons you often deal with at home, in the office, and in your community. What good points in each of them must you learn to confirm and affirm?

 

Lord, help me to be more affirming of other people. Help me to trust in their innate goodness.