A life of grace, or race?

The story is told about a little boy who asked his friend: “What is 5Q plus 5Q?” His friend said: “10Q!” And the little boy said: “You’re welcome!”

In today’s Gospel (Mt. 13, 44-52), in the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus tells us that one who finds the kingdom of God is filled with joy and gratitude. Indeed, it is deep joy and gratitude that the world can neither give nor take away.

I have met many rich and famous people. I have been amazed by their possessions and achievements, and the easy, comfortable and extravagant lifestyle that their wealth and connections allow. But I have also felt their emptiness, their vanity and shallow enjoyments, and their loneliness and insecurities within. And there is in them the reality that everything is temporary, and that sooner or later, death will come and they will inevitably answer the question: “Have I lived in vain?”

I have also met many rich and famous people who put their worldly possessions and achievements at the service of the kingdom of God. They are an inspiration — they who know how to be humble to God and to other people, and who do not base their worth on what they have or who they are in the eyes of the world, but on who they are to God. Pitiable, and even disgusting, are the proud and the arrogant, and those

who feel entitled on the basis of their worldly power and wealth.

There are people who keep seeking the limelight, in any and all means. But there are also people who refuse or shy away from worldly attention and appreciation, and choose a life of anonymity. Why do they do that? Maybe it is because they have learned their lessons, or they have come to life-changing realizations, or maybe they have found God, their real and lasting treasure.

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Last July 23 I celebrated Mass for the Filipino-Chinese Dental Association. Dentists teach us a lot about life. What is the first thing a dentist tells a patient? “Open!” If the mouth is closed, no procedure or healing happens. Likewise, only if the heart is open can God heal us. As dentists are thorough in their search for cavities for us to avoid tooth decay, we, too, should be honest and thorough in our search for truth so as to avoid truth decay.

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Is your life on grace mode, or race mode? You are still on race mode if your life is basically about achievements, results, deadlines, possessions, and positions, and if it’s all about you, your talents, your wisdom, and your plans and connections. You are on grace mode if you see the big picture and know you are a creature of a Creator with whom you have a relationship, and if you know obedience, trust and patience.

There is a story told about a man who was bumped by a grumpy old man in a subway train who neither apologized nor excused himself, and then went on to shout at and scold him. He just kept quiet through it all. When asked by his seatmate why, his simple answer was: “The journey is short. I am getting off three stops from here. Who knows when he is getting off?” Yes, the journey is short. Let us carry no burdens. Let us let go of pride. Let us not dwell on worries and heartaches. And yes, let us gather and hold on to real and lasting treasures in life.

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The Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies in Tagaytay City, incorporated to the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, is again opening its doors for enrollment for the first semester. The institute provides professional training and graduate courses on missiology (doctorate and licentiate degrees). It also offers a certificate in mission studies as an introductory course on missiology and as an ongoing formation for priests, religious, and lay persons. For information, please call 09499523830 or (046) 4130340 or e-mail dwimsoperations@gmail.com.

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Think about this: “Give it to God! Your health, your family, your worries, your fears, your financial difficulties. Every night go to bed empty so that you can wake up full of hope, peace and God.”

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to live a life on grace, and not a life that is a race. Amen.