As we reflect on the sacred readings for this Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, three powerful words, all beginning with the letter 'C...
As we reflect on the sacred readings for this Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, three powerful words, all beginning with the letter 'C', rise to the surface: Commandment, Christ, Charity. These words are not just concepts; they are the very DNA of our faith, inviting us to a deeper walk with God and with our fellow human beings, here in Quezon City and across the globe.
Our First Reading from Deuteronomy speaks directly to the COMMANDMENT. Moses reminds the people that God's law is not distant or obscure, but "very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart." This isn't a burden but a divine gift, a pathway to life and blessing. The commandment encapsulates God's will for us – to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It's a divine blueprint for a flourishing life, accessible and intimately known, written not on stone tablets alone, but on the very tablet of our hearts. Do we truly embrace this proximity of God's command, or do we often search for answers far afield when they lie within us?
Then, our Second Reading from Colossians beautifully reveals CHRIST. It proclaims Him as the "image of the invisible God," the one through whom all things were created, and in whom "all fullness was pleased to dwell." Christ is the ultimate reconciliation, bringing all things back to God. He is the preeminent one, the head of the Church, the very source of our being and our hope. This reading elevates our understanding of Jesus beyond a historical figure. He is the cosmic Christ, the key to all creation and salvation. When we fix our gaze on Christ, we find our true bearings; we realize that in Him, all anxieties and struggles find their ultimate solution, and all life finds its meaning.
Finally, the Gospel of the Good Samaritan is a vivid parable of CHARITY. When the scholar of the law asks, "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus doesn't give a simple definition but tells a story of radical, active love. The Samaritan, an outsider, demonstrates true charity by stopping to tend to the wounded man, binding his wounds, and ensuring his care, even at personal cost. This is more than just pity; it's a profound, self-giving love that crosses boundaries and ignores prejudices. This Gospel challenges us to look beyond our immediate circles and extend genuine charity to all those in need, regardless of who they are, truly making a difference in their lives.
So, as we go forth from this moment of reflection of the Mass, let us carry these three 'C's in our hearts:
- Commandment: Live God's will, for it is near and known.
- Christ: Gaze upon Him, for He is the center of all.
- Charity: Practice selfless love, for that is the mark of true discipleship.
May these words inspire us to live lives rooted in God's love, centered on Christ, and overflowing with charity for all. Amen.
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