THE WORD
Rom 7: 18–25 / Lk 12: 54–59
Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain—and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot—and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
IN OTHER WORDS
The island of Mindanao is very rich in natural resources and yet lags behind in development compared to its northern counterpart. This is largely due to endless conflicts between the government and the Muslim separatist groups. Decades of wars have stunted its economic development and scared away potential investors and businessmen. The peace agreement brokered by both the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front would end four decades of conflict and hopefully bring back prosperity to the rich but impoverished island. With the agreement in place, economic development would ensue as it provides a safe environment for investors to come in, and government funds intended to sustain senseless battles can now be used for basic services and infrastructures.
These are the direct products of reconciliation: peace, harmonious coexistence, economic and cultural development, and mutual cooperation. There shall be no more loss of lives and displaced people. When Christ urged the people to settle matters with opponents, He may not have the socio-economic and political agenda in mind; yet He talks about the same reconciliation that eliminates anger, grudge, jealousy, envy and hatred.
Nevertheless, peace and reconciliation are not for free. They are not served on a silver platter. Hard work and sincerity are needed to attain and sustain them. Christ had to offer His very own self for the sake of ultimate reconciliation. Following this example of Christ we are called to work for peace and harmony.
Incidentally, St. John of Capistrano, our saint for today, was a public servant, a soldier and a broker of peace during the Middle Ages. He travelled all over Europe as the Pope’s ambassador to sow the culture of harmony. He lived long enough to achieve so much but succumbed to a plague that ended his saintly life.
- Eugene Docoy, SVD (USC, Cebu City)
The Word in other words 2015
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
