I was floored by the grandeur of Grand Canyon when I visited Arizona. How did God carve those huge rocks and paint those hues on each and every surface?

I’m astounded by the genius of man every time I travel to Dubai. How can man transform a desert into a flourishing city with skyscrapers high-fiving the sky?

My feet have touched so many beaches all over the world, but not one compares to the cool and powdery sands of Boracay.

All of them are amazing. All of them beyond compare. But what is more amazing is the truth that the God who created all these knows me so well—and yet He still loves me. He sees all my weaknesses and continues to shower me with grace. God, who can see my future failings, decides to love me still. 

I cannot comprehend that kind of love. 

I just need to receive it and be completely amazed.

Arun Gogna (gognuts@yahoo.com)

reflect

Every sunrise is a reminder to receive the love of God anew.

Lord, amaze me with Your love.

Saint Zeno, martyr, pray for us.

When I was cohosting Barangay Simbayanan with Ms. Angelique Lazo at Radio Veritas, we would play the song “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. The song would probably remind you to remember the love you had in September many moons ago.

But experience has taught us that what we must always remember in September are the continuing calamities that hit our country. Many people suffer when rains inundate not only the cities but even the provinces. Movement and work or businesses are paralyzed, resulting to financial losses for most people. And the sad news is that people in power take advantage of these natural calamities, showing their faces and hoping to be remembered come election time.

True authority is solidarity with the people, especially the weak and marginalized. We find this in our Gospel today, when Jesus went to the synagogue to preach and heal: “Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority . . . For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out” (Luke 4:31-32, 36).One tragic reality in our country is this vicious circle of people who are rich and in key positions in the government or society, flaunting their wealth and power to display their authority. Sadly, many of them are vested by law with authority without realizing that authority is not about having powers to be separate from and be above everyone. True authority is being one with everyone, especially those below.

Jesus showed us that true authority is being in solidarity with those subject to one’s authority. It is not about power but mercy and compassion with those deep in miseries and sufferings. 

Fr. Nick Lalog

reflection questions

What is authority for you? How do you exercise the little authority you have at home, school, or work?  

God our Father, teach us to be like Jesus, Your Son, who used His authority to walk with the poor and the weak, feel their joys and pains, and empower them to discover their giftedness before You. Amen.

Today, I pray for ______________________________________