14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME B

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JESUS DISARMED





One of our professors was a “terror,” which meant that he gave the impression of strictness and rigidity during lessons, recitations and examinations. As a result, students froze whenever he called them. They didn’t relish their chance to speak, discuss and deliberate during his class. But one day, an unexpected incident made him not just smile, but laugh aloud. Seeing this human side of the “terror,” the whole class too, laughed, relaxed and recovered their interest in the lesson.



Our attitudes and behaviors affect people for good or bad. People easily notice when someone puts up a resistance against them. They also feel it when the ones around them are full of encouragement and approval. It need not be spoken or explained; oftentimes it is just felt.  Resistance or approval affects the mood, performance, and the result of our actions.



Jesus knew that his presence elicited various reactions. He heard the praises of people. He figured out the disdain and rebuke in the scathing remarks of others. He felt the resistance of the people and so he “was not able” to do more for them.



It was not that Jesus did not have the power to work marvels. But his power respected the pace, the disposition and the freedom of the recipient. If they were not ready, the Lord will not use force to reach them. He will patiently wait for them to open their hearts.



We wonder why our prayers are not yet answered. We ask why we don’t seem to see the results we expect. Maybe it is good to pause a little and see if there is anything in our hearts that block the graces from flowing into our lives. You see, God is affected by how we relate to him. While not dependent on our response, he makes himself vulnerable to our acts of love or defiance. What humility! What condescension!



It might also be a good idea to reflect on how we treat the people around us. Do they feel at ease and comfortable when we are around? Or do they suddenly become stiff and start wearing their masks when we pass by? Like Jesus do we exude acceptance, love, forgiveness and understanding?


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