The text message from my Caring Group (CG) head read: “For our Christmas CG activity, please bring your cutest picture when you were five to 10 years young.”

       I didn’t know what she had in mind. Was it for “Guess who this dork is now”? Was it a cutest kiddie picture contest? I asked if I could bring a picture when I was three because after that I wasn’t cute anymore. Competitive!

       But she had something more profound in mind. She asked us to find what in our throwback pictures and childhood memories are reflected in the persons we are today. “Stariray” (feeling like a star), obsessively organized, frugal, matriarchal. These characteristics and quirks had roots in our childhood. It was an eye-opener for me. Even if we’ve been together for years now, their childhood stories made me see my CG mates in a clearer light.

        I realized we shouldn’t be too quick to brand people and avoid those we don’t like. That bully was probably physically abused as a child. That annoyingly clingy person might have been abandoned by a parent. We shouldn’t be blind to their inner child when passing judgment. Lella M. Santiago (lellams88@gmail.com)

Reflection: The foundation of a good relationship is knowing what makes the other person tick.

Lord, when my patience for the people around me is running thin, open my eyes to see and love their inner child.

Repentance is the doorway to a deeper faith. When we rid ourselves of sin, our faith will take root in our hearts and we will have more room for God to transform us. Let us repent of our sins. Our loving God is always ready to forgive and never holds a grudge.

17 Thus says the Lord God: But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! 18 On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. 19 The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; all who are alert to do evil will be cut off, 21 those whose mere word condemns a man, who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim. 22 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. 23 When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, they shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. 24 Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.

R: The Lord is my light and my salvation.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 4 One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple. (R) 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord. (R)

Belief makes miracles work. Do we believe? Our answers will have a bearing on how God will work miracles in our midst. Miracles boost our faith and rarely do they occur when somebody is alone. This communal context teaches us that we can support each other’s faith and call on the power of God into the life of our community.

Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.

27 As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” 30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

think: Repentance is the doorway to a deeper faith.

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR  Psalm 141-145

LIGHT FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE

Despite the rising cost of electricity, we still decorate our homes and offices with attractive lights as the Christmas season dawns on us. We even make it a point to upgrade our Christmas lights with the latest kind that becomes available in the market.

       Our Gospel story gives us the “theology” of celebrating with Christmas lights. These are not just for joyous effects and ambience. They ought to remind us that Jesus whom we welcome is Light. He literally gave light to blind people, as our Gospel narrative states. Jesus also gave spiritual light to the minds and hearts of people who were groping in sin and moral darkness, as did the prostitutes and other public sinners. Jesus gave the light of faith to all who came and believed in Him as followers and disciples.

       Jesus, however, did not share His Light to all indiscriminately. He elicited faith, as He asked the two blind persons: “Do you believe that I can do this?” He wanted reason to grow with faith and with the Spirit. Reasoned faith becomes beneficial not just to the person who has it; reasoned faith becomes a faith that one can share with conviction to others who are also “searchers.” Reasoned faith becomes faith that is truly owned and treasured. With this, I understand personally what Jesus meant when He said in another part of Scriptures: “Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” (Matthew 7:6).

       TV and movie programs are rated “G” (General Patronage), “PG” Parental Guidance needed), “PG-13” (Parental Guidance needed for those who are 13 years old and below). This practice is meant not just to screen sensitive materials that are explicit in sexual and violent contents. This practice also considers a reality: The human heart and intellect are in a process of growth and maturation. As such, a person can only understand, appreciate and be receptive of things according to a level of maturity. Such is the same in matters of faith. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

REFLECTION QUESTION: What kind of light from Jesus do you most need as a gift this season and at this stage in your life?

Be my light always, O Lord Jesus. Let my life shine with Your light. Amen.