Mga kapatid, on this day, we reflect on the powerful themes of Separation , Service , and Spiritual growth, deeply rooted in our readings a...
Mga kapatid, on this day, we reflect on the powerful themes of Separation, Service, and Spiritual growth, deeply rooted in our readings and the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
The Gospel of Matthew presents the parable of the fishing net, where the good fish are kept, and the bad are cast away. This image of separation resonates with the discernment that Filipinos often face in their daily lives. In a country rich with faith but also grappling with societal challenges, we are constantly called to separate the truth from falsehoods, integrity from corruption, and genuine pagmamalasakit (care/concern) from self-interest. Like the fishermen, we are asked to choose what is good, what truly builds up our communities and strengthens our bayan (nation).
This leads us to service, a hallmark of Filipino culture and the very essence of St. Ignatius' legacy. After his conversion, Ignatius dedicated his life to serving God and others, founding the Jesuits who would later bring Christianity to our shores. Filipinos inherently understand paglilingkod (service). From the bayanihan spirit of communal help to the sacrifices of our Overseas Filipino Workers who serve their families and country, service is etched into our puso (heart). In the face of modern challenges, our service is not just about big acts, but daily choices to uphold justice, support the vulnerable, and nurture kapwa (shared identity/fellow human being).
Finally, all these are anchored in our spiritual lives. The Exodus reading reminds us of God's dwelling among His people, His presence guiding them. For Filipinos, faith is not just a Sunday affair; it's buhay (life) itself. Our resilience, our hope, our capacity for joy amidst trials often spring from a deep well of spirituality. Like St. Ignatius who delved into the Spiritual Exercises to find God in all things, we are called to constantly deepen our connection with Panginoon (Lord). In times of uncertainty, it is our spiritual compass that helps us navigate the dagat (sea) of life, ensuring that our barko (boat) of faith remains steadfast, bringing forth a harvest of goodness for our families and our nation.
May we always strive for discernment, commit to selfless service, and nurture our spiritual lives, so that we may truly be fish worthy of the Kingdom, glorifying God in all we do. Amen.
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