Saints with Small S

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us” (Heb 12:1).

It is said that solemnity honors the saints with a small “s”, meaning, those who are not officially recognized or canonized by the Church as saints, but are truly saints because they, too, have lived according to the Beatitudes. They, too, while on earth, were spiritually poor, merciful, pure of heart, peacemakers, agents of justice. Hence, though uncanonized, they are saints, too. We, therefore, believe that they are now fully united with God in the joys of the heavenly Kingdom.

For me, those people who have touched my lives and have been partly responsible for who I am now are also included among the cloud of witnesses who inspire me to run the race with joy and enthusiasm. Among those I remember on this day are:

- Lola Pining, Lolo Isko and Lolo Julian

- Fr Lorenzo delos Santos

- Jesuits Frs Bonoan, Rooney, Sanz, Dolan, Phelan, Gaa

Who are your small saints?

Measuring Love

This Sunday's Gospel gives a tall order: to love God with all of one's heart, soul, mind and strength. We might ask whether this is possible at all when, in fact, we can not even love those around us, even our loved ones, with all our mind, soul, strength etc. Most often, our self-giving in love for them would measure up to 90 or 95% only? Indeed, as St John says, "How can you love God whom you do not see when you do not love your neighbor whom you can see?"

Precisely, that is the point. The second greatest commandment is love of neighbor, which is inseparable from love of God, for the former is the measure of the later. The first reading gives concrete guidelines regarding this: defending the orphan and the widow, lending without interest, not taking advantage of the poor.

Love of God is measurable after all. They, the poor, the needy, the widow and the orphan. They hold the measuring rod. May we not be found wanting when measured.

What More Do You Want?

"What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done?" (Is 5:4a) This is also the Lord's question to Israel in Micah 6:3 when He laments: "O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me!"

If there is anything else which the Lord has not done for His people and Israel asks for it, the Lord is willing to do it, if only to strengthen their covenant relationship. But we know the answer, the Lord has done His part. He has chosen Israel, He has freed them from Egypt, brought them to the Promised Land, defended them from their enemies and the list goes on.

The Lord has done everything, while Israel has done... nothing. Instead, they killed the prophets and the rest of God's messengers. Even the Son has not been spared by their envy and greed.

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