Easter Friday
DO YOU WANT TO SEE JESUS?
When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. – John 21:4
I
stared at the picture of a sick child posted in the elevator. The boy
was only seven years old and looked very frail. His body was skinny but
his tummy was bloated. He had a liver ailment and needed a major
operation. Below his picture were contact numbers and a bank account
where one can make a donation.
Then
I reached my office floor and I stepped out of the elevator unmoved by
the child’s plea for help. I justified my reaction by thinking, “A lot
of people will read that poster and the child will get enough
donations.”
Three
weeks later, I received an email from our HR officer. It was about the
same sick child. I don’t know what happened to me but I suddenly felt
guilty about the way I had acted a few weeks back. I asked forgiveness
from God because I didn’t see Jesus in the helpless child. I gave a
personal donation and also enjoined a few friends to give.
In
today’s reading, the disciples, too, didn’t immediately recognize Jesus.
They only realized it was Him when He gave them instructions.
Initially, I also didn’t see Jesus in the sick child needing help. I
forgot that Jesus said that loving Him includes helping the sick,
visiting the prisoner and feeding the hungry. Alvin Fabella (alvinfabella@yahoo.com)
Reflection: Don’t experience Jesus through prayers and Mass only. Experience His presence when you help others who are in need.
Jesus, let my faith come alive as I see and serve You in others.
St. Vincent Ferrer, priest, pray for us.
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