Fr Bembol on one of his homilies during Online Mass on DSPNSDA. Photo: A. Yango
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
I. Story: Boiling Kettles
Macarius goes to Abba Moses and asks him, “Father, why is it that some brothers seem to have a greater capacity for love than others?”
“Go and get two kettles,” the old man commands Macarius. “Fill the first kettle with water up to the brim. Put only a little water to the second. Then place both of them over the fire.”
Macarius does as he is told. Both of them sit watching the kettles. After a while, they notice that the water in the second ketttle is starting to boil.
“The water in the second kettle will boil ahead of that in the first one. This is because thete is very little water in it, “Abba Moses says. “The same holds true for people’s hearts. Those whose hearts ate not brimming with various concerns are able to love more.” (Morsels of meaning by Bro. Andrew Maria, MMHC)
II. Reflection
In our lifetime we have a lot of concerns. It depends on our values and lifestyle as individual. Different folks, different strokes. Some of our concerns are necessary, others are unnecessary. These concerns will affect the longing of the heart. According to Carol Kent in her book, “Secret Longings of the Heart” there ate five types of longings: 1) Longing to have impact and significance; 2) Longing to have something out of reach; 3) Longing to be released from bondage; 4) Longing to change from inside out; and 5) Longing to use the bigger picture and live out real purpose, I think she forgot the real picture of all, the longing gor God.
In Psalm 42: it says: “As the deer yearns for running stream, so my soul longs for you, my God.”
It’s hard to be thankful for our tough times. If we look around the world, many are suffering from hunger, illnesses, stress, and the like. There are parishioners, friends, and acquaintances who are sending messages to me of their situation as if they are carrying a heavy load of burdens. It affects the mental condition. But we must still thank God for the lessons of life whether they are learned through joy and pain, because no matter how calm the tide, at some point, trouble will find a way of opening up the flood gates. Our life preserver is no other than God. MAY AWA ANG DIYOS. Malalampasan din natin ito.
I makes no difference if you are turning to the Lord for the first time especially because of fears due to covid-19 pandemic or if you are constant caller-He will hear your cry. Sometimes we don’t know what to say or how to say it – blab, blab, blab… but rest assured-He will hear our cry of frustration and lament. Or maybe we’ve rejected Him several times and admitting tha we need Him now. Who doesn’t? Hypocrites! Now you know that there are no
atheists in a foxhole as the common expression during World War II. Still don’t worry – He will hear our cry .
The fourth Sunday of Easter is about Good Shepherd. We may reflect on our reaction to the voice of Christ , our Good Shepherd. We live in our world where, day after day, we hear many voices . There are authentic but the others are fake. We cannot censor everything. We need to be critical and analytical. Thus, we may wonder what God sounds like when He speaks. Is it a whisper or a shout? Is His voice a thundering storm or a gentle breeze? It depends on how you look at God ad God. It’s your perspective. According to our Catholic Christian belief, God speaks to us in several and unlimited ways like through the scriptures, the sacraments, through our fellowmen, etc. We need to discern .
God is always taking the initiative. His love remains constant and He always communicates with us. Sometimes we are not hearing Him, it is not because He isn’t speaking to us. It is because wr have a lot of issues and concerns. He is speaking to us continuously and constantly. We’ve got to listen just like the Jewish people do when they are praying. It is our faith that ultimately sustains us through hard times.
The challenge of ministering now is a big deal. As parish priest with health condition cannot do much in this present situation. The good thing is we have daily livestream. That’s the advantage of technology. Besides, I learned how to use social media and I can post now my reflection in my fb account. I may not be a prolific writer nor a magnetic preacher but I humbly offer the fruits of my handiwork. I read somewhere this quotation, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Intimate knowledge and sharing of life mark the relationship of the Shepherd with his flock. I hope I can be one like that of a Good Shepherd. Let’s see what will happen after the quarantine. God bless! Amen.
