God sees the heart

The story is told about a guru who ordered the Ashram cat to be tied during the evening worship so as not to disturb the worshippers. After the guru died, the cat continued to be tied, and when the cat died, another cat was brought to the Ashram so that it could be tied during the evening worship to continue the tradition. And so it was that years and years later, many scholarly treatises were written by the guru’s disciples on the significance of tying up a cat during worship, not quite knowing the reason why the cat was tied.

In today’s Gospel (Mk. 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23), Jesus teaches us that outward actions and traditions are empty if they are done not with the heart. Meaning comes from within.

As we journey to God’s heart, let us not conform to the values of this world that put a lot of emphasis on looks, productivity, performance, public opinion and approval. Life is not a show. More rightly, for us, life is all about gaining God’s approval, in and out of season, with or without human applause. Thus, our song is not “I did it my way,” or “I did it as the world wanted me to,” but a firm but gentle “I did it His way.”

For us who preach the Word of God, let us make sure that we preach Him, and not ourselves, and that we do not become clanging cymbals and noisy gongs. Neither should we become so focused on our titles and functions, and put so much focus on self-importance, popularity, ratings and money. Oh, we still have so much to learn about true, humble, sincere service to the Lord and His people.

The most important lesson about self-importance and self-worth is that they are not that important or worthy. I know of someone who keeps talking about his achievements and wants everyone to know who he was, ready to show all the citations and awards he received. One day I just told him: Who you are is more important than all that you have done or outdone. And, nobody really cares in the end, except those whom you really cared for.

Lord, help us not to place so much value on our achievements and productivity, and remind us that what defines us is not really us, but You.

Sharing with you the 10 commandments for seniors: “1. Thou shalt not complain; 2. Thou shalt not discuss your ailments even if asked; 3. Thou shalt not be argumentative, domineering and sanctimonious; 4. Thou shalt not feel sorry for thyself; 5. Thou shalt not despairingly compare today with the ‘good old days’; 6. Thou shalt not find too much fault with younger people; 7. Thou shalt not let thyself grow sloppy in body, dress or mind; 8. Thou shalt not expect constant attention from thy family; 9. Thou shalt not try to change people; 10. Thou shalt not insist being right at all times.”

P.S. To nonsenior citizens, understand and try not to react, for you, too, will grow old.

Sept. 3 is the first death anniversary of Fr. Herminio Ricafort, SVD. Last week, I got a bag of newly picked rambutans from the trees planted by Father “Among” many years ago. Yes, let us live in such a way that we leave behind goodness in this world long after we are gone.

It’s September! Praise God we have come this far, and praise God that the “ber” months and all that they mean to us are here! Soon it will be Mama Mary’s birthday, and soon, it will be Christmas Day. Let us keep looking forward, filled with hope, joyfully.

Think about this: “Take care of your body as if you are going to live forever, and take care of your soul as if you are going to die tomorrow.”

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to live my life Your way. Amen.

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