Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? – Psalm 10:1

I recently saw the movie The Impossible, a drama film based on a true story of the miraculous survival of the Alvarez family. The Alvarezes, a family of five, were having their Christmas break in Thailand when the unforgettable 2004 tsunami ripped through their hotel.

       The family members got separated from one another. The wave smashed Maria (the mother) against a glass window and swept her through the hotel. They all stayed underwater for a long time. Enrique (the father) also got swept away by the water. Their children, Lucas, Tomas and Simon, all found themselves scared and helpless.

       While watching the movie, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in their situation. During disasters like this, we tend to ask: “Where are You, Lord? Where are You during our times of trouble?” And almost always we hear a deafening silence. At the end of the movie, the seemingly impossible thing happened. The Alvarezes miraculously got reunited. Though scarred, both physically and emotionally, they chose to share their experience to the world and recognize the miracle in their story.

       In the same way, may we also be aware of how God connects to us — because sometimes God touches our lives in the form of a miracle. Erika Mendoza (epaulmendoza@gmail.com)

Servant of God Francis Garces and Companions, pray for us.

Every society has seen the rampant abuse of power. Any kind of power is a sacred trust that comes ultimately from God, the steward of which is accountable to Him. We need to remember this as we exercise power, and pray for those with power in our societies that they will use it well. Leaders are needed in any society or else it will lose direction and collapse; let us pray that those who lead us are humble enough to lead us well.

1 Woe to those who plan iniquity, and work out evil on their couches; in the morning light they accomplish it when it lies within their power. 2 They covet fields, and seize them; houses, and they take them; they cheat an owner of his house, a man of his inheritance. 3 Therefore thus says the Lord: Behold, I am planning against this race an evil from which you shall not withdraw your necks; nor shall you walk with head high, for it will be a time of evil. 4 On that day a satire shall be sung over you, and there shall be a plaintive chant: “Our ruin is complete, our fields are portioned out among our captors, the fields of my people are measured out, and no one can get them back!” 5 Thus you shall have no one to mark out boundaries by lot in the assembly of the Lord.

R: Do not forget the poor, O Lord!

1 Why, O Lord, do you stand aloof? Why hide in times of distress? 2 Proudly the wicked harass the afflicted, who are caught in the devices the wicked have contrived. (R) 3 For the wicked man glories in his greed, and the covetous blasphemes, sets the Lord at nought. 4 The wicked man boasts, “He will not avenge it”; “There is no God,” sums up his thoughts. (R) 7 His mouth is full of cursing, guile and deceit; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity. 8 He lurks in ambush near the villages; in hiding he murders the innocent; his eyes spy upon the unfortunate. (R) 14 You do see, for you behold misery and sorrow, taking them in your hands. On you the unfortunate man depends; of the fatherless you are the helper. (R)

The Pharisees could not understand the Gospel. They could only see a threat to their established positions and, thus, they plot to get rid of Jesus. There will always be power struggle within our communities, both secular and religious. These are a result of sin. Let us pray that those who eventually gain office realize the enormous responsibility they have — to ensure that they rule with justice.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

14 The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 15 When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, 16 but he warned them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 18 Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. 21 And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

think:  Leaders are needed in any society or else it will lose direction and collapse; let us pray that those who lead us are humble enough to lead us well.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Nehemiah 10-13

ENDURANCE, NOT INJURY

At some time in our lives, we may have witnessed (if not experienced firsthand) misfortunes and adversities caused by the evil schemes of others. For example, we may have been cheated or deceived because of their falsehood and insincerity. Or perhaps our possessions were unjustly violated or seized by them, without our knowledge or permission (and such possessions may include our honor and reputation, or even life and health itself). Or still, we may have been abused or hurt, physically or psychologically, by others.

       The First Reading today from the prophet Micah contains allusions to such evil people, with their plots and actual misdeeds. Likewise in the Gospel, it says that the “Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.” But in contrast with the First Reading, which foretells the Lord planning a kind of reciprocation against such evil, Jesus in the Gospel simply withdraws from the threats. Matthew moreover reinforces his point by quoting from Isaiah. These are the words depicting the so-called Suffering Servant of Yahweh — one who is truly meek, the chosen one of the Lord, who will champion innocent suffering and justice at the same time.

       It makes us think of how we react to or confront the iniquities which happen to us, as caused by others. But note that for the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (as epitomized by Jesus Christ), God’s choice, delight and empowerment in the Spirit precedes any action taken by Jesus. Without such, His actions will merely be reactionary and vengeful. Precisely, it becomes a non-action (a resignation which is non-violent and passive, but by no means fatalistic or indifferent): “A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench.” God’s Spirit in Jesus empowers Him with a strength which makes Him endure and not injure. The same should be our attitude and behavior. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

REFLECTION QUESTION: What is your normal reaction when somebody inflicts harm on you?

Lord, I pray for the grace to endure sufferings in my life. Help me not to cause injury to others, too.