Gospel Reflection

Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Jose and Judas and Simon? These words came from the villagers who wanted to keep Him within his limitations; he was a carpenter and the son of a carpenter. With this, Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith.

Upon reading the Gospel passage last night, I tried to imagine what word or in what way of my experience in life I am going to reflect this reading. Then, the word rejection struck me. This is what had happened to Jesus in Nazareth. This is what our Gospel speaks about.

When I was in the first and second year high school, somehow, I was one on those students who became the laughing stock or our class. I was the weird, short and thin man having “bakatin na pantalon at naninilaw na unifmorm”. I was one na sinasabihan na bobo sa English, walang alam, pangit at mahirap pa sa daga. Kung bayaran sa school ako ang laging huli magbayad. There was a time that I need to feel all the insulting words and embarrassments na binibitawan ng aming makulit na treasurer. Tanggap ko for it is partly true and I have no choice but to choose and live that way, that situation. I think that’s beyond my limitation. I think no need na ipamukha pa sa akin iyon. These are the experiences of rejection, no doubt, because of this situation, this made me to be inferior, to seclude myself from them, and resort to self pity. I struggled a lot. I endured all the pains. Unfortunately, this limits me to many opportunities. I became the weakest person in class, in academics, in physical activities and I couldn’t even say that I have true friends. When I transferred to another school, I still carried those heartaches. But, there was someone taught me to stand firm in my disposition in life, to be strong in pushing my claims if I do believe it is true and the truth per se. He challenged me. I responded positively. Sir Max Espejo was my Geometry teacher. The trust he gave to me boost my confidence. That was the beginning of my journey as a student free from my deep sleep. 360 degree changed weak to strong. In that predicament, I was able to believe in myself, to strive harder, have faith and do more dreams.

In the process of acceptance, I tried to discover on how to overcome prejudices, the rejection – objectification of the other subjects.

Just try to look at the mirror. This object will give reflections of who you are, what you are. As human beings, we are amenable that we are in the formation of life because of our imperfections. Imperfections that we should not hide upon but we need to address accordingly for us to grow and become mature individual. Looking at the mirror, do not wear your mask. Do not be afraid or deny your weaknesses. Try also to consider your strengths. In so doing, you will realize how gifted you are, how special are you in the eyes of God. If others will judge you because of your weaknesses, let them be. This might be an act of rejection, of prejudices. This might deprive us to grab opportunities. This might discourage us to believe. But try to think of it that if someone wants you to pull down, it connotes you are above from them. Insecurities, I should say. This thing has nothing to do for you to grow; it will just ruin your life.

In all that I have shared with you, there are three points I would like to emphasize.

Overcome prejudices

The gift of fortitude of the Holy Spirit will be my refuge in conquering and facing prejudices, judgments and rejection of others. Basically, some are more inclined to tell all my negatives, my minuses, my shortcomings, criticize me if I fail and tend to forget what good things I have done. Self awareness is a vital foundation to know myself better. I learn to appreciate myself, of what I have and what I am. If others will criticize me, judge me, I will just stop and reflect for a moment – accept my weaknesses and be inspired with my strengths to do more. Ang taong mahilig mamintas, palaging nakikita ang kapintasan ng iba ay ang taong maraming kapintasan. They are who do not believe and do not have faith.

Do believe

I can because I believe. I must be cognizant of my own strength. In every endeavor, I must believe that I can because I believe. If I fail, believe that I can achieve the acme of success, not by now but later on, soon. If I fall, believe that I can stand. If I buffeted by the winds and storms, believe that I can overcome it. If I think I don’t like to study, most probably, I will be getting bored in studying my lessons. It is a matter of personal conviction. It’s a matter how I hold my decision. My optimism and my attitude in looking forward are great factors in reaching the success I aspire of. I do believe.

Have faith

All my undertakings must be rooted and directed towards Him. In any leaps and bounds, if I falter in darkness, trusts and confidence I lay down to Him. I believe and I am convinced that in my faith, I will see God perform mighty deeds for me, for all of us. Nothing is impossible in Him. With these experiences I had, I am very thankful that God guides me all the way, until this time of my journey. He enables me to realize my weaknesses, tests my patience and strengthens my faith. Just have faith and everything will run through and through – according to His will.

                This is a challenge to all of us now to overcome prejudices, do believe and have faith. No one is in-charge of our own happiness, our own life except us together with Jesus Christ. We have our own free will to choose what we think we need and we ought to be and to do. I can compare our life to an egg. We hold our own life together with God. We manage to control and do things according to our will in the light of His will. If we are too easy and careless in holding it, it might fall. If we are too harsh or rough, it might be broken. Thus, we need neither too easy nor too rough. Balance it. If we decide not to overcome prejudices, if we don’t believe in ourselves and if we don’t have faith in God, our life will be ruined. We should not listen to the prejudices; we must believe and have faith in God so that we may see the good works of Jesus as what the villagers of Nazareth failed to do. So let us pray to God to grant us the grace and courage to be faithful in Him despite the rejection we may encounter. We also continue to pray that we may grow in His love and goodness and enable us to share it to others. Amen.