25^th Sunday of the Ordinary Time. Reflection by Bro. Ken Joseph Novilla from Frassati Society Philippines.

Opening Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for your enduring love and abundant blessings that You gave us each day. Thank you for not only protecting us but for keeping us safe from harm. Protect us from our enemies, and from the habits that destroy ourselves. Guide us to Your loving path, develop us and let us utilize your gifts so as we can spread your love and kindness with others.

In the first reading, we saw how the enemies of David plots against him to test his faith. We saw how the wicked always plot to test our faith, to see if we will be saved by the Lord. The enemy will go into lengths to test Let us show them that our faith does not waver by praying for our enemies. Let us pray for our love us, even those who wanted to harm us.

In today’s modern world, our faith, love and patience towards one another were continually challenged. We were continuously exposed to insults, tirades, and insecurities brought upon into social media. Our faith is continuously tested and doubted. Most if not all in social media today have their own opinions, of which sometimes affect us. All wanted to flaunt and build good image on what they have even if it is not what is happening behind cameras.

 Let us use the technology given to us not in interrogating our enemies, as we get to fall in the plot of the wicked. Let us not dwell into showing others how great we are than them. But rather let us show them love and compassion. Just like what Jesus said in Matthew 18:22

“Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Let us not stoop down with the ploy of our enemies, but rather let us love them just like what Jesus did. If they offend us 3 times, let us forgive them 7 times. Let our faith be our guide in showing compassion.

On the second reading, we saw how Jealousy and selfishness causes us to sin. It is the source of disorder and evil. As has been said earlier, social media is a source of jealousy and envy. It makes us to think that everything that we see is perfect, allowing us to believe that we can achieve perfectness.

My brothers and sisters, the source of all perfections on this world is the Lord our God. Let us accept that we are created “perfectly imperfect”, that nothing comes absolutely pure and true from this material world except it is the Word of God.

Among all of this, the World of the Lord is pure and peaceful. It does not cause jealousy of others but rather acceptance of oneself. It teaches us to share our resources for the benefit of everyone, to use our gifts, harness it, multiply it and share it to others as what Jesus did the story of the Five Loaves and Fishes.

Just like Pier Georgio Frassati, who share his love and use his talents in spreading the word of God, even to his parents who do not believe in Him at first. Pier Georgio cultivated joyful companionship among his friends and fellow Catholics instead of showing how gifted he is from others.  Pier Georgio instead showed “extraordinary ordinariness” or being a role model yet simple towards others. He devoted his life not in pursuing earthly materials but rather in helping the poor and the meek.

Just like what is in our gospel today where Jesus taught his disciples about his death and resurrection. He addressed that true greatness comes from sacrifice, by helping the poor and the meek, by not being selfish but rather by sacrificing for the welfare of others.

At the end, my brothers and sisters,

Let us be simple just like what Pier Giorgio is. Let us devote our time not only in harnessing the gifts that we have, but also by sharing it with others. Let us think of the welfare of others, do not envy but rather love, do not be selfish but rather give, as what Jesus did here on earth.

Points for Reflection:

1. Let us realize that selfishness and jealousy of others is the path towards destruction. It prevents us from being happy and contented.
2. Let us understand that achieving personal greatness by proving oneself to others is not ultimate goal, but how can we share our greatness for the welfare of others.
3. Recognize the importance of God’s love and His teachings.
4. Strive to be like Pier Giorgio Frassati, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and most of all, like our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Final Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of life. We thank you for the talents that you have given us. Help us to devote our time in harnessing your gifts and provide us the wisdom on how we can share it to others, for the benefit of humanity. Hear our petitions. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.