My dear brothers and sisters, on this first day of August, as we gather in reflection, our hearts turn to the Sacred Scriptures and the insp...
My dear brothers and sisters, on this first day of August, as we gather in reflection, our hearts turn to the Sacred Scriptures and the inspiring life of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori. The readings today, from Leviticus and Matthew, along with the example of Saint Alphonsus, call us to ponder on three powerful words that deeply echo the Filipino spirit: Faith, Fortitude, and Fruitfulness.
The First Reading from Leviticus reminds us of God’s covenant with His people, calling them to observe feasts and bring their "firstfruits" as an act of trust and obedience. It speaks of God's abundant provision. How much this resonates with us, Filipinos, a people of deep faith! Despite typhoons, volcanic eruptions, or even the daily grind of poverty, our faith (pananampalataya) remains steadfast. We cling to the belief that God is with us, providing for us, and that our sacrifices and pasasalamat (thanksgiving) will never go unnoticed. Like the people of Israel offering their first harvest, we offer our lives, our struggles, and our joys to the Lord, trusting in His divine plan.
Yet, our Gospel from Matthew presents a challenging truth: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house." Jesus himself faced unbelief in Nazareth, hindering His mighty deeds. This speaks to the tampo or hiya (shame) that can sometimes hold us back, the cynicism that can creep in when we see familiar faces, or when we face persistent problems in our own communities. But just as Saint Alphonsus persevered through opposition and a crisis of faith, our nation, too, is called to katatagan (fortitude). This fortitude (katatagan) is the resilience, the laban spirit that allows us to rise after every fall, to rebuild after every disaster, and to continue striving for a better future, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It's the inner strength that draws from our deep faith, enabling us to stand firm in the face of adversity, much like the baluarte (fortress) that protects us.
And what is the fruit of such faith and fortitude? It is fruitfulness (bunga or kaganapan). Just as the Leviticus reading speaks of bringing in the harvest, our collective faith and individual perseverance should lead to a rich harvest in our lives and in our society. This is not just about material gain, but about the abundance of grace, compassion, and progress. It is about nurturing a society where bayanihan flourishes, where acts of malasakit (concern) multiply, and where the seeds of truth and justice bear abundant fruit. May our pananampalataya and katatagan inspire us to be agents of change, bringing forth a bountiful harvest of peace, prosperity, and spiritual renewal for all Filipinos.
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