MANILA, Philippines—The story is told about a man who was elated with a satellite dish he bought for only P500. The dish, when connected to his television set, would give him access to unlimited satellite-fed programs. There was one hitch though: he had to direct the dish toward the exact location of the satellite, and for that, he needed to buy a telescope that cost about P50,000.

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In today’s Gospel (Mt. 18, 15-20), the Lord tells us to direct our attention to fraternal correction, a difficult but an important aspect of our Christian life. We cannot just overlook or deny the reality and the need to correct mistakes and mend broken relationships. Are there people you need to correct? Are there truths you need to point out? The truth hurts, and the process of pointing out the truth is painful, but the truth does set us free.

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How far easier to mind one’s own business. How far simpler indeed to just let things be. However, we all have a prophetic calling to speak up and stand up for truth and goodness, not out of self-righteousness or pride, but out of love and obedience to God who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

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Christianity is not just about me and my God, but about me, my neighbor and our God. Indeed, the Kingdom of God is not just within us but between us, and among us. Going to heaven is not some contest wherein the holiest among us will get the first place. Rather, it is the joining of hearts and hands, and the helping of each other so that we all will get there somehow.

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Have you brought anybody closer to God? Have you shared your faith to others? Have you made other people feel and experience God’s love? Or have you been too focused on yourself, and too selfish of your God? Our God is a God who wishes that His love be made known to all through you, and even in spite of you. What have you done about this, and what are you doing the rest of your life about it?

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We all know that prayer is powerful, but what we need to know more is the power of community prayer. The Lord reminds us today: “If two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” Why is there not much change in our country today? Perhaps it’s because we are not praying enough, and we are not praying much as a people and as a country.

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I have been saying Masses in different parishes in Los Angeles for a week now, in line with our evangelization work with the Healing Eucharist TV Mass (TFC), and as part of my task at the SVD Mission Office. It is elating and recharging to be with Filipino communities that are eager to hear God’s word. It is really an edifying experience to feel the Lord’s presence in our midst in a foreign land. I always end my homily with the words: “Remember, wherever you are, you are there and God is there!”

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Sept. 8 is Mama Mary’s birthday. As sons and daughters of the Blessed Mother, let us always do what is pleasing to the Father, what is beneficial to others and what cleanses us sinners. May Mama Mary bless our families and our beloved land.

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Inviting you to join us in a pilgrimage to Vietnam: “Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang” (plus Saigon, Nha Trang and Hanoi) on Sept. 25-29. For more details, please call Executive Resources Inc., 523-8581 to 88; 521-4156. Or e-mail: pilgrimage@execres. com

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind me that You are within, between and among us always. Amen.