Do you rejoice with others when they are blessed even if you’re not? - Daily Reflections February 4,2014

GRACE COME AND GONE

 

I was ordained on March 6, 1987. The following day, I celebrated my first thanksgiving Mass (misa cantada)in my home parish at San Jose Manggagawa in Manuguit, Tondo. Being the very first son of my community to be ordained a priest, the people prepared a big fiesta. Shortly before sunset, as I finished donning my vestment, a band played outside our house while people carrying torches were waiting for me to start a procession from our house to the church. Along the street, everyone stopped to have a glimpse of the new priest. The church was packed with guests. It was capped by a sumptuous dinner prepared by the community. A long stretch of the street was closed for this purpose. What a memorable homecoming!

       How lucky I was compared to the Lord Jesus. His homecoming was marred with doubts and outright rejection. His town mates were questioning as to how He had become so brilliant and full of wisdom. They were filled with doubts, anger, insecurity and envy because they knew Him so well. They never expected that someone from their humble village would one day be a celebrity in His own right — eloquent, deep and capable of performing miracles in other places. They were filled with jealousy.

       Jesus could have been a playmate of their sons. They could have seen Him tagging along with His dad whenever a household would ask for a repair or two. It was difficult to comprehend that an ordinary boy like Him would one day return to their synagogue and preach with so much authority.

       They lost the opportunity to welcome the coming of grace to their community. Their lack of faith resulted to no mighty deed done in their place, except for a few sick who were healed and prayed over.

       People find it difficult to rejoice at the blessings of their neighbors and friends because of their innate and selfish desire to compete with and even surpass the accomplishments of others. Let us learn to rejoice when others are blessed. And be thankful when the blessing is shared. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you rejoice with others when they are blessed even if you’re not?

 

Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to welcome You home in my heart, in my life.