To rely solely in our human strength, knowledge and wisdom can be so tempting especially when we want immediate results of what we desire. Becoming too proud of what we have achieved, gained and accumulated could make our heart arrogant making us adamant towards the grace and presence of God. This is the concern when we have less trust in God’s strength and put more trust and confidence to our human strength. This is the case in today’s readings.
David was doubtful of God’s promise to aid him in a hundredfold of people. This was the reason why he ordered the census in order to be certain of his military power. However, doing so means not trusting the strength of God given to the people of Israel. Hence, David’s decision was an insult and a sin against God.
Such action of David resulted to punishment of which he chose the third, and that was the pestilence over the city. This cost the lives of 70,000 people who died in the plague. However, David chose this because he realized the mercy of God. Though, his actions and wrong intentions directed only for his power and authority, but cost the lives of many. It was the people who suffered because of the failure of a leader.
This doubt of David in God’s strength somehow reiterated among the neighbors of Jesus. The Lord who went home, preached and taught in his native place was received with offence and indifference.
His own people, those whom he probability played with, worked with and his relatives doubted his capacity. They doubted his wisdom. They doubted his authority. They doubted his power. They took offense at him, as the Gospel said, because his own people, they who were very familiar with Jesus, only saw him as a son’s carpenter. He was too ordinary for them. Indeed, familiarity breeds contempt.
As a consequence, the people did not believe despite what they have heard and seen. This was also the reason why Jesus can only cure few sick people by laying his hands on them, because of the lack of faith of many. That lack of faith prevented them to recognize God’s strength in Jesus. It prevented them too to acknowledge God’s wisdom and grace in Jesus.
This is the invitation for us today and that is to grow more in our faith and trust in God’s strength to work in us. Though God gifted us with human wisdom, knowledge and strength may we not become too proud of what we have achieved. Rather, may we become more open and receptive of God’s power and strength even when that grace appears to be so ordinary and simple in our eyes and understanding. Hinaut pa.
Human touch depending on our intention may bring death or may bring life. When our human touch is filled with malice, hatred and violence, then, it will surely bring destruction and pain to others around us. However, when touch is filled with grace, with love, affection, concern, and compassion, then, our touch may bring healing, peace, freedom and life.
This is the case that we have heard in today’s readings. In the Second Book of Samuel, we were told of the tragic event of the death of Absalom, the son of David. Absalom led a rebellion against his father, King David. He wanted the throne for himself. Yet, his rebellion did not come out of the blue. There was already a steaming tension of hatred and violence within the house of David. His first-born son, Amnon, raped his half-sister, Tamar. Indeed, the touch of Amnon towards the beautiful Tamar, was filled with malice and lust.
Though, the full brother of Tamar, Absalom did not also speak out, but kept quiet, leaving Tamar to suffer in silence. Yet, this became a venue for Absalom to foster hatred towards his half-brother Amnon, and also towards his father King David who turned a blind eye on this. This was the beginning of more violent actions within the house of David.
Later, Absalom plotted to kill his half-brother and rebelled against his father. Even though, Absalom was able to get some army and territories of his father, yet, at the end, he was killed as told to us in today’s reading. With his death, David mourned over the loss of his son. Nevertheless, David’s grasped and insecurity over his throne and power led to the death of his sons and destruction of his own family.
However, in the Gospel of Mark, we have heard different forms of touch. This time, the touch brings healing, freedom and life. There were two forms that I would like to emphasize.
First, humanity’s touch to the Divine. This was the experience of the woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. In hope and faith she reached out in order to touch even the cloak of Jesus. And indeed, her touch of the Divine brought her healing. Jesus affirmed her “courageous and daring faith.” She did not give in to desperation and hopelessness but to faith. This made her to touch the Divine and became a recipient of grace.
Second, God’s touch to humanity. This was witnessed by Jairus, his wife as well as Peter, James and John. Jesus “took the child by the hand” and said to her, “Talitha koum!” At that, life was given back to the dead girl. The touch of Jesus was more powerful than death and grief transforming them into life and joy.
This reveals to us now how our touch can actually become a channel of grace and blessing. We too are reminded that the Lord would always allow us to touch him. Let us not be ashamed or fearful in reaching out to God. The way we touch sacred and holy objects in our church is even our way of expressing it already. The sacraments we have in the church are God’s way of making us aware that we are welcome to touch the Divine and be touched by His grace.
Let us also see and evaluate the way we touch others if this is filled with malice, insecurity, selfishness or hatred. Such intentions will only bring violence and death. Rather, let our touch be more of faith, love, concern, mercy and compassion so that we too may become channels of grace, blessing, healing and life. Hinaut pa.
It is once said that “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
We do all know something about leadership & authority. Many people have exercised their leadership and authority on us. In many ways, they have influenced us. And we have also exercised leadership & authority on others and in one way or another has influenced them. We do know how to be influenced by others & to influence others, as well.
Sometimes it is even easy to tell who mostly influences other people’s lives. They will quote their parents or a teacher or someone they grew up with who have greatly influenced & lead their lives for better than worse. Yes, influences can be negative. But as soon as someone says: “As my mother always used to say…” practically what follows is surely something that influenced the life of the speaker in a positive way. We consider these leaders or authorities as the great peoples in our lives – the one who made us feel great about ourselves & helped us grow. They have in one way or another helped us form our values & principles in life, and have greatly impacted our lives to be a much better person.
That is what real authority does. It is life-giving, growth-giving, affirmative, positive and helpful. The word itself is an indication of this. It comes from a Latin word “augere”, meaning “to make grow”. Authority then is power or influence not to lord over and control others but to help others grow. Leadership lies not on the power or control you have on others but on the influence & impact you have for others to grow. Not power to lord over others but power to influence & form others. Leadership then is all about being an influencer.
That is why true indeed, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” It is all about our influence to foster growth on others & help them become much better version of themselves, even with or without our presence.
In our gospel today we heard that “his teaching made a deep impression on them… because he taught them with authority.” The people who listened to Jesus that day in Capernaum were struck by his authority & leadership.
That is what happened to the people when they listened to Jesus in their synagogue. Hearing him they (even the demoniacs & possessed) began to open up & understand their own potentials & possibilities for life & growth. He gave them hope. He treated them as friends and equals. He did not talk them down, did not flatter & sweet-talk them as the scribes do. He told them instead to be true & be realistic about themselves than they had ever been before. Through the words of Jesus with authority, they realized that God calls them to greater things than they never had thought possible. They come to experience then God’s leadership in their lives.
The same thing happens to us whenever we listen to Jesus, as God’s word for us through the Scriptures. Every time we read or listen to the Word of God, especially to the gospels, challenging it might be, we are influenced by the wisdom and message of Jesus. The words of Jesus have greatly influenced our lives that whenever it is proclaimed to us again and anew, it constantly offers us life, faith, and hope. It challenges to grow to be a much better person before God and other, and it also empowers us to do great things for others.
Being led & influenced by Jesus in our lives do not usually make life easier, but definitely it makes life much more worthwhile! His authority, leadership, & influence do make us now do what all leaders should do: Foster growth and life in oneself & others. In other words, influenced & led by Jesus’ authority, we should also now lead & influence others, by fostering growth & making other people’s lives better.
In this Eucharist today, may Jesus, the Word of God continue to influence and direct our lives so that we could also be a better influence in fostering growth in our church, society & nation. Amen.
How do you listen? Just like now, here in this Church, listening to the Word of God and to my homily, what kind of attitude do you show as you listen? On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, let me share with you the different forms of listening and let us see how each form affect that way the message is communicated to us and how we respond. From here, let us also evaluate ourselves on how we perceive God’s voice and God’s word proclaimed to us.
There are 5 levels of Listening according to Stephen R. Covey.[1] The first level is called IGNORING. In this level of listening we completely ignore what has been said, that means we do not listen at all. This is shown in our body language, for instance, when someone is talking we are doing some other things like chatting and playing with our phones, or starting a conversation with a person near us.
The second level is called PRETEND LISTENING. We only show to the person that we listen but actually not. We may show this as well in our body language like regularly nodding our head and making eye contact but then, our mind is somewhere else. This level of listening has no intention to really listen and understand because this is merely a show-off.
The third level is called SELECTIVE LISTENING. Like the pretend listening, we also show to the one talking that we are listening but not fully. In this level, we only listen to some parts that we want to hear, that we love and expect to hear. However, other parts of what has been said to us, we do not listen anymore especially when what is being said disturbs us or challenges us, or simply does not interest us.
The fourth level is called ATTENTIVE LISTENING. This means that we pay attention, we concentrate and we respond accordingly to what has been said. This is shown in our body language as we make eye contact, sit properly and respond when we are asked.
And finally, the fifth level is called ATTENTIVE-EMPATHETIC LISTENING. Comparing this with the fourth level, here we do not only make an effort to listen but we listen to understand. And when we listen to understand, this also means that we see ourselves in the words that are being said to us without judging or filtering the words being said. We become receptive to what has been said, thus, what is being opened is not just our ears, but also our heart and our mind.
So, at what level are you now? What kind of body language do you show as I communicate with you? How receptive are you with the words that I am saying?
We may hopefully be able to see ourselves and evaluate our attitudes in listening and then move higher towards the fifth level if we are below it. I am sharing this with you because the readings we have this Sunday speak of people who have shown an ATTENTIVE-EMPATHETIC LISTENING. And so, let us see how God invites us today to respond to him according to our own life situation and context in the community as we called first, to listen.
In the first reading, the young Samuel had his first encounter with God. Samuel was an altar server, very young but was chosen by God to be his prophet.
He was called, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel[2] and the young Samuel would get up and go to Eli thinking it was the old man who called him. Being so young, Samuel did not have any knowledge yet about God. This was the reason why Samuel would go to Eli thinking that it was him calling the young boy. But thanks to Eli, to that wisdom from an old one who guided the inexperienced young boy to be able to listen attentively and empathetically to the voice of God.
The presence of the old prophet Eli, affirms our need of somebody who can guide us, of those who already experienced life. Thus, Samuel was able to listen to God because despite his young age there was a good advice from an adult.
As Samuel listened empathetically, he responded, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening,” God was allowed to be heard. The conscious action of Samuel made him familiar to God’s voice. That was the beginning of God working in the life of Samuel. As a result of Samuel’s conscious listening to God and of allowing God to speak to him, Samuel also understood what God told him. Thus, God made him a “trustworthy prophet,” to whom everyone listened.
Samuel spoke with authority and honesty because he allowed the Lord to speak through him, and thanks to that old man who guided him. Samuel stood as God’s representative in a time of political and religious corruption, in a time where people were in desolation and distress.
Like Samuel, this is also the situation of the two disciples of John the Baptist. These two disciples did not know Jesus but they were already listening to John about Jesus. Hence, when John the Baptist saw Jesus, John said, “Here is theLamb of God.” The two disciples listened and understood what John said. That was the reason why the two followed the Lord. In their effort to understand Jesus more, they asked, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus responded, “Come and see.” Both listened to the invitation of Jesus and so they came and saw how Jesus lived. Their ears were open as well as their heart and mind.
This openness of the two, made one of them, Andrew, to become an instrument for his brother Simon to encounter and know Jesus. Through that encounter, Simon paid attention and listened to Jesus. This was how Jesus also called Simon to become Cefas (in Hebrew, in Latin Peter) which means the Rock.
John the Baptist encountered the Lord, and so recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. Because of this encounter, he helped his disciples to also encounter Jesus. That encounter prompted them to follow the Lord. Andrew also who encountered the Lord led his brother, Simon to also encounter the Lord. This was all made possible because they first listened and understood the presence and the voice of the Lord. Now, we see the pattern in their stories.
This is also the very invitation for us this Sunday and that is to learn and to move towards ATTENTIVE-EMPATHETIC LISTENING so that we may be able to listen well to what God is saying to us and understand better God’s invitations for us.
Through attentive-empathetic listening also, this will help us grow in our awareness of God’s presence and our relationship with God. Moreso, such attitude in our listening, this will greatly help our human relationships. Thus, begin to show this attentive-empathetic listening with your friend, with your colleague, classmate or workmate, or with your student, or with your own child, partner or loved one. Through attentive-empathetic listening, then, we better understand the person, we avoid developing biases, or in making quick judgments against the person. Through attentive-empathetic listening we make dialogue to be possible, we promote understanding and peace in our own homes, communities and institutions. Hinaut pa.
[1] From Revolution: Listening and Development (revolutionlearning.co.uk)
Whenever we are interested to know more about a person, we usually ask for their name, address & contact number. Same way, whenever we are interested about a person, we give them our information: name, address & contact number. But rarely we invite them or get invited by them right away home, Diba? We don’t expect invitations right away whenever we want to meet someone. And we don’t readily invite someone interested or interesting into our home.
However this is not the case with the disciples of John in our gospel today. Somehow they were star-strucked with Jesus when John introduced Him as the Messiah to them. They followed Jesus & got his attention.
Meeting Jesus, they ask for His usual information. They are interested to know Him more. And they got more than they hope for. Not only they got his address, they get an invitation “Come & See” – an audience with Jesus, his undivided attention in his own home for the whole day. After their encounter with Jesus, they are not anymore the same but now changed persons, and moved them to share Jesus with others.
The same could happen with our Christian faith & life. Whenever we are interested to consider Jesus to be part of our daily life, whenever we want to know Him more personally, be careful with what you ask for, “what you are looking for?”, because Jesus will not only give you an address information but an invitation. Jesus will not only give you advice, solutions & encouragement on your concerns, but moreso would offer you friendship, love, life-changing challenges & spirituality with Him & others.
As we are just starting the year, perhaps healthy for us as we meet & encounter Him during prayers, to consider Jesus asking us now: “What are looking for?” Ask ourselves & reflect: “What do we want & need from Him at this juncture of our faith journey? Are we in it with Him for just our petty-concerns, conveniences, & personal interests, OR are we in for the whole-deal of what Jesus can offer us for the better & the best for our life anew? Would we be with Him at a distance, just observing what he is doing OR would we be near & close with Him & be changed by His love & friendship? If now God is with us, are we with Him?
Lord, take away everything that distance us from You. Grant us everything that bring us closer to you. Detach us from ourselves to give our All to you.
A DOSE OF GOD TODAY 