Lessons of Life

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons. Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, His heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborer's are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest.”

“Unlike the Pharisees (proud leaders) who exhausted the flock, Jesus (humble leader) gives refreshment to people. Do you lead with pride or humility? How?”

It is given and understood that we are easily affected and we easily react on issues and adverse criticism. And if we want to be a follower of Jesus, He wants us to follow Him and imitate His ways and virtues. So that like Jesus we pity those who criticize us and those who are hard on us, instead of taking revenge. We should be like Jesus, we should understand them and be more kind to them. And we should be happy that they find time to check on us and scrutinize us in order to help us become better persons. But if we take their criticisms negatively, it only worsen the problem. So let us be more tolerant with them yet do our best to do only what is right and to always understand them and be kind to them no matter what, and sooner or later they will come to realize and see only the truth and we can also evangelize them not by word but by deed, for the critics usually see better than those who are not.

Difficult people are there for a particular mission in our life and that is to polish us to become better persons in the eyes of God. Because without them we can be too complacent and relax for it may be too late for us to realize our mistakes. And if we still don't have the grace to look with kindness, understanding and compassion on them, who has wasted their lifetime dwelling on our faults and the faults of others, watching over us 24/7.

And so instead of being angry at them, be thankful instead for they have a mission waiting to be accomplished. And so let us pray to God for conversion, witnessing and imitation of the works, virtues and values of Jesus and Mother Mary. And so as not to place harsh judgement on them, let us always remember that Prayer will help us get there and arrive to that conversion and transformation we have been looking forward to.

“For prayer is our strength and the weakness of God.” And so whatever we ask our Lord in prayer, believe and it will be given unto you.

And let us never forget to pray for all the priest and the religious so that they will never tire serving, guiding and shepherding His flock. So that God will continue to inspire them and bless them. Pray always and never cease praying so that we too may persevere and endure in this trying times. God will bless us and even in the midst of trials and difficulties He is there with us. Remain trusting and be favored.