MISSING YOUR STEP

MISSING YOUR STEP

 

“All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.” – Jeremiah 20:10b

 

 

The priest at the Sunday Mass was limping as he went to the altar and had to sit down to give his homily. He explained that he had missed a step on the way down the stairs of their rectory and sprained his leg. He added that he had been taking those steps for many years; but this time, because he was not focused, he made a mistake.

The devil in the same manner is always on the prowl like a roaring lion ready to attack us (1 Peter 5:8) when we lack spiritual focus. Our Christian foundation would be strong if we are anchored on these four spiritual disciplines — studying God’s Word in the Bible, regular prayer times, Christian service and joining a congregation in church. Being strong in these four areas of our spiritual life would make our defenses impregnable against the “devouring” lion. We will be less likely to miss our step on the narrow ladder to heaven.Rolly España  (rolly@homeliving.com.ph)

 

REFLECTION:

When God comes looking for you, where will He find you? Reading God’s Word or praying? At a church congregation or at places serving other people?

 

Lord God, You are my firm foundation. In You, I find strength and refuge.

RELIGION CAN BE DANGEROUS

 

Jolo is one place where you don’t need to set your alarm clock when you wish to wake up early. At exactly 5:30 a.m., the small town comes alive with the chanting of the Muslim prayer “God is Great.” Around six mosques simultaneously wake the town up with the prayer being broadcasted over the loudspeakers that are perched on their minarets. Then around 6:00 a.m., the bells of the Carmelite Monastery announces the start of the Eucharistic Celebration in their chapel. In Jolo, one never misses to think of his God upon waking up. The call to prayer envelops the town first thing in the morning.

After the morning prayers of Muslims and the morning Eucharist of Christians, the whole day is however dominated with the drone of army helicopters doing the usual reconnaissance flights around the town. When I was there for input talks to the less than three percent Catholic residents, I was told that the army helicopters were being augmented by American crafts that were there for the “Balikatan (Cooperation) Exercises.” Then I was reminded — I was in a crisis town.

Sad, but true. Muslims, Jews and Christians all believe and pray to One God: Allah, or Yahweh or the Father of Jesus. This God is the Creator, the Almighty, the Beginning and End, the One who controls all times and seasons. But these religions also figure out in all the known conflicts and struggles that make it to national and international headlines. Their religions have encased their respective beliefs in God in unbending, fossilized dogmas and doctrines. So, they quarrel and find it hard to talk and relate as brethren for their religions have chosen to highlight differences, rather than bonds and ties of convergence.

In today’s Gospel, the doctrine of God becomes an issue that divided the Jews and Jesus. Today’s conflicts are not too different: religion has become an issue that raises arms in conflict. Jesus must be lamenting; Mohammad must be shaking his head; Moses must be covering his face.Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 

Reflection Question:

What are your own biases with other faiths and beliefs? How have these biases limited and negatively influenced your attitude with persons of a different faith? What is Jesus telling you today from the Gospel story?

 

Father in heaven, help us see what binds us together instead of what separates us. Enable us to work towards that end.

 

St. Basil the Younger, pray for us.