Jesus’ dream

The story is told about a teacher who asked her students what their dreams were. Miguel said he wanted to become a doctor. Rose said she wanted to become an accountant. Claro said he wanted to become a lawyer. And Nenita said she simply wanted to have many children. When the teacher asked Isko what his dream was, his answer was: “Ma’am, I just want to help Nenita in her dream.”

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In today’s Gospel (Jn. 6, 41-51), we hear how the Jews murmured about Jesus, and how they misunderstood and opposed His vision, His dream for the Kingdom of God.  They understood and supported Jesus when it was all about bread for their stomachs, but not so when it was all about bread from heaven above for their souls.

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I can imagine the frustration of Jesus pointing at the “big picture” and all the crowd of people could see was their noses in front of them. Here He was showing them a new vision, a new dream that would be good for them, and they didn’t believe Him or simply didn’t care. Such was the fate of prophets then, and even now in that lonely road toward the truth. As someone once said, it is easier for a businessman to get the people’s money from their pockets than for a prophet to put new ideas in people’s heads.

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Take note that Jesus’ popularity rating was at its peak after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. But soon after, when He started talking about Himself as the bread of life to be eaten for eternal life, many of the people and even His followers abandoned Him. I can imagine the panic of His Cabinet members and His handlers, urging Him to stop that kind of talk! But Jesus remained steadfast in His words and in His dream. For Jesus, truth does not need to be handled. Truth needs only to be told.

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Speaking of handlers, whoever advised President Aquino to bring along his party’s “senatoriables” in his distribution of relief goods to flood victims last week did him more harm than good. There is a proper time for everything, and that was not the proper time, out of respect for the people’s poverty and misery. In the end, of course, who are we to say what they should or should not do? That is their call, but still we say, that was uncalled-for.

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At the height of the continuously heavy rains last week, I was saying to myself, If only the rains were bread from heaven falling generously on everyone, then all will be very happy! But then I caught myself saying, Will everyone get his/her fair share, what with hoarders and greedy businessmen all over the place!? Greed is the single biggest obstacle to our country’s peace and progress.

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So heartwarming to hear of our prisoners in Muntinlupa crossing over gang lines and deciding to give up a meal for the flood victims, or a lady giving up her despedida de soltera party and donating the money for relief goods instead. So many unknown and unsung heroes during calamities. God knows who you are. May God bless and reward your good and generous hearts. Be comforted with the thought that even if you are incognito and unrecognized, you are pleasing to God’s eyes, and you are a part of Jesus’ dream. Thank you for being Eucharists—God’s real presence in our midst, especially to those in dire need.

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Speaking of bread, I can’t help but ask: What on earth did the proponents of the Reproductive Health bill eat? Ano ba ang nakain nila? Why this blatant and even arrogant push for its approval, and with such haste? I believe all of us want to do what is good for our people. We may differ in our methods and means. I am aware, though, that we can differ in our motives. In the end, may we all listen to what God has to say about this matter.  Let us not leave Him out of it. He has a say in all these!

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Amidst all the issues, calamities, and uncertainties in these times, let us continue to work for peace and make Jesus’ dream of making the fatherhood of God over us all come true. In all our pursuits, let us learn to offer, and surrender. “Peace is yours when you have laid all things at His feet. When you have placed all things in His hands, when you have entrusted all things to His keeping, when you have released all things into His care, when you trust Him no matter what, then the peace that surpasses all understanding will rule your heart.” Amen!

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The newly elected superior general of our congregation, the Society of the Divine Word, visited us yesterday at Christ the King Seminary. This humble, unassuming, yet brilliant 55-year-old from Spelle, Germany, who has worked in the Philippine SVD Southern Province for the past 26 years, especially in line with the poor and marginalized, will lead us in helping make Jesus’ dream come true. Fr. Heinz Kulueke, SVD, will be like a ukelele that will accompany the 6,000-strong Divine Word missionaries all over the world to make wonderful music for the Lord! One with you, Father Heinz!

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to be a part of Your dream, and to never obstruct or depart from it. Amen.