I am blessed to have a determined, strong-willed wife. In the face of decisions, problems, and conflicts, we end up thinking: Who should win? Who should give in? Who has the upper hand?

Whether in marriage, at work, or elsewhere, arguments arise. Some get resolved quickly, but others end up in conflict.

The disciples showed they were as human as us. They disagreed and argued, and Jesus made them realize how important humility is. He taught them it was more important to be loving than to be right.

Friends, arguments are healthy. But let us remember to focus on the goal. The goal is to love. Whenever conflicts arise, let’s ask ourselves: what’s the most loving thing to do in this situation? Oftentimes, when my wife and I argue, I let her win. Because loving her is so much better than winning the argument.

Remember, the one who is greatest is the one who loves. Jan Silan (jcsilan@gmail.com)

reflect

Do you always have to win an argument? Does your discussion lead you to love the other person more?

Jesus, teach me to love rather than be right. Calm my heart. Give me peace today. Amen.

Saints Cosmas and Damian, martyrs, pray for us.

The problem of evil as addressed in the Book of Job is one that has troubled people for centuries. Why is it that good people suffer and evil people seem to prosper? I do not have a definitive answer to this question. However, if we look at the nature of sin, we can clearly see that it is unjust and causes the innocent to suffer. Here is part of the answer; the rest I will leave up to you and God to discuss in prayer.

⁶ One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan also came among them. ⁷ And the Lord said to Satan, “Whence do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming the earth and patrolling it.” ⁸ And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job, and that there is no one on earth like him, blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?” ⁹ But Satan answered the Lord and said, “Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing? ¹⁰ Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land. ¹¹ But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.” ¹² And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand upon his person.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. ¹³ And so one day, while his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, ¹⁴ a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the asses grazing beside them, ¹⁵ and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid. They put the herdsmen to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” ¹⁶ While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Lightning has fallen from heaven and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” ¹⁷ While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three columns, seized the camels, carried them off, and put those tending them to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” ¹⁸ While he was yet speaking, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, ¹⁹ when suddenly a great wind came across the desert and smote the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” ²⁰ Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair. He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, ²¹ and said, “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” ²² In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 17:1, 2-3, 6-7

R: Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

¹ Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. (R) ² From you let my judgment come; your eyes behold what is right. ³ Though you test my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me. (R) ⁶ I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. ⁷ Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. (R)

Gospel | Luke 9:46-50

Jesus is not impressed with arguments about who is the greatest among His disciples. He challenges them with the idea that the greatest is the one who is the smallest in the eyes of others. This does not mean that we have to be childish, but child-like. That is, we need to entrust our lives to God in the same way that little children entrust their lives to their parents.

Gospel Acclamation

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

⁴⁶ An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. ⁴⁷ Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side ⁴⁸ and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” ⁴⁹ Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Read the Bible in one year! Read EZEKIEL 9 - 12 today.

In today’s Gospel, some disciples of Jesus felt threatened by some people outside of His close circle who are performing signs and wonders. They wanted Jesus to stop them. In response, He said, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” As far as Jesus is concerned, the focus of an apostle should be the mission, not personal ambition or reputation. Everyone who contributes to the mission is an ally and companion.

Every Wednesday evening, there is an open invitation for priests of the Archdiocese of Manila to gather together via Zoom to share on the coming Sunday’s Gospel text. The priests gather for an evening of shared fellowship, study, and reflection. Some offer their personal research and studies to help the group contextualize the biblical texts. Some share inspiring stories, fictional or personal, to ground the reflections in real-life experiences.

It is so inspiring that the priests are so focused on sharing the Word to the people. The edification and sanctification of God’s people is a common goal that priests don’t see each other as “competitors” vying for public adulation and loyalty. Some post their videos and reflections in the group chat, even encouraging their fellow priests to use it as they see fit. For the clergy, as far as evangelization is concerned, there is no exclusive copyright, only “copy alright.” What is most edifying is the fact that the bishop joins this gathering. Truly, the bishop sees the priests as his partners, and the priests see one another as allies in the same mission.

We see here two differing worldviews. In the kingdom of this world, a gifted other is a potential competitor. In the Kingdom of heaven, he is a comrade and companion. In the biblical worldview, life is not a race but a marathon. In a race, the goal is to go fast and to go it alone. In a marathon, the goal is to go far and to go along, i.e., along with others. Fr. Joel O. Jason

reflection questions

What worldview do you have? In what kingdom do you belong to?

Banish my insecurity and replace it with generosity, O Lord. Amen.

Today, I pray for: __________________________________________