LIFE IS FAIR, AFTER ALL!

1^st READING - James 2:14-24, 26

P S A L M - Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands.

GOSPEL - Mark 8:34-9:1

SABBATH

A litany of complaints is how many would describe their situations and experiences in life. From many good acquaintances who have lost jobs, loved ones, and honest wealth, I have heard a common sigh: “Life is so unjust, so unfair.” To this is sometimes added the question: “Where is God?” I must say that these situations are challenging moments for a priestly answer. The words of Jesus are not just words about authentic discipleship. They are utterances about the pursuit of the fullness of life. We are made to see that fullness of life comes not simply with achievements, but with sacrifice, self-renunciation and suffering. This seems to be the price that this broken world exacts of us. Doing good makes us encounter the imperfections of this world and undergo a real struggle in flesh and in spirit. Working for justice, for instance, compels us not only to face injustice, but it allows us to experience the real effects of injustice in ourselves. Working for excellence makes us first go through the pains brought about by mediocrity around us. Working for truth and righteousness makes us feel many times the cruelty of the forces of falsehood and corruption. Evil does not easily give up its foothold in this world! If we do not give up, and if we do not give in to the forces of darkness and sin, this may cause our lives and limb. Falsehood and unrighteousness did not stop until it nailed Jesus on the cross. Pagan ways did not stop until it claimed the blood of many Christian martyrs. The forces of prejudice did not stop until they claimed the breath of Martin Luther. In the end, however, the sacrifices of the good and the righteous starved the evil, and cut evil’s vicious circle. In the end, it is the memory of the good who sacrificed themselves that is immortalized in the history of life. The forces of evil, once powerful and strong, are long forgotten. Judge then for yourselves: Is life unfair? Or isn’t life fair, after all? Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP REFLECTION QUESTION: Recall the life story of a hero or saint who has become personally significant for you. What particular acts of sacrifice and self-offering did this person have to commit? Lord Jesus, help me to always do good, trusting that the good will always triumph over evil. Do you want to receive this in your email?  To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.