Mga kapatid (brothers and sisters), on this day, as we reflect on God’s boundless compassion and the comfort we find in Christ , our heart...
Mga kapatid (brothers and sisters), on this day, as we reflect on God’s boundless compassion and the comfort we find in Christ, our hearts resonate with themes deeply embedded in our Filipino spirit.
In the Exodus reading, we hear of God's immense compassion, His willingness to be with Moses, "face to face," and to be merciful to His people. This divine compassion mirrors the "malasakit" (concern for others) that is a cornerstone of our Filipino culture. We are a people known for our strong family ties, our bayanihan spirit – coming together to help one another in times of need, extending compassion even to strangers. Just as God showed grace to a "stiff-necked people," so too do Filipinos, despite hardships, find ways to forgive, to share, and to uplift.
When Martha declares, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died," and then professes her faith, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world," she finds comfort not in the absence of pain, but in the enduring presence and promise of Jesus. For many Filipinos, life is often fraught with challenges – economic struggles, natural disasters, separation from loved ones due to migration. Yet, through it all, we find comfort in our unwavering faith. We see Christ in our resilient communities, in the simple acts of kindness, in the shared laughter over a humble meal, and in the "kapit-bisig" (linking arms) that strengthens us. The comfort is not a removal of trials, but a deep assurance that through Christ, there is hope, resurrection, and life beyond our current sufferings.
Indeed, Christ is at the center of this compassion and comfort. He is the very source of our strength and the ultimate hope for healing and reconciliation, not just for individuals but for our nation. As Martha exemplifies humble service and unwavering faith, she reminds us that true devotion is found both in active service and in contemplative listening to Christ's word. For Filipinos, who often express their faith through actions and devotions, Martha's life calls us to integrate our "gawa" (actions) with our "pananampalataya" (faith) in Christ, knowing that in Him, we find our deepest peace and purpose. May we continue to live out this compassion, and always have comfort in Christ.
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