THE WORD
Rom 9: 1–5 / Lk 14: 1–6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.
IN OTHER WORDS
In his book David and Goliath, Gladwell analyzes the point of view or perspective of the underdog, the little ones in life. He notes that maybe the underdog is only a label given by those who believe themselves to be superior, but who, in actuality, are not. For how can a heavily armed but weighted down Goliath hope to defeat in an open field a lightly clad but super agile David armed only with a slingshot (whose “pebble” is as deadly as a bullet)? It is different when we listen and look at things from “below,” from the uncomfortable, messy, and simple side of life. Jesus shakes up the world of the Pharisees by pointing out the alternative view. The law should be at the service of man, of life, not the other way around.
We too must shake up our preconceived notions of the “law.” Filipinos have been variously described as “split-level” Christians, “cerrado Catolicos”, etc. Yet, the Philippines is one of the world’s most corrupt countries, where most of the leaders are Catholic and products of Catholic schools!
Jesus suggests that we look closely at everyday life. When was the last time we talked and listened to ordinary people? Have we visited our neighbors lately? Are we ready to help those in need? It is only in this context that we shall understand the grandeur of the law and the magnanimity of God. We must do what we can. Life is passing by; we must not waste it.
- Reynaldo Jimenez, SVD (DWC, Laoag 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.
