Be Wise

Binhi sang Pagtuo

August 10, 2009

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from the Chaplain’s Office!

Our reflection for this week is from Luke 6:47-48. In these verses, Jesus was reprimanding his audience why they are calling him “Lord, Lord” but no do what he says. He then proceeds to remind them that those who call him that title must put into practice what they hear from him.

I remember a time that CPU put up a banner that says, “Jesus is Lord of CPU.” I don’t know why it was taken down but the message of that banner brings a lot of accountability to the CPU community.

Perhaps, it would be important to ask the question about what we mean by "lord". The lord is one who commands our attention, our loyalty, our fidelity. The lord is one who makes claims on our lives, to whom we yield authority.

In a parallel verse on Matthew 7:24, Jesus is telling us that one who obeys his commands is like the wise man that built his house on the rock. When the flood came, it was not able to shake the house because it was founded upon a rock.

Therefore, Jesus teaches us to be like that wise man. For Him to be wise is:

Firstly, to say the right thing in times of persecution and examination. We would sometimes break down in times of suffering and would be willing to say anything that will make us get out of adversity. Jesus commands us to stand in the right way even if it would get us to trouble.

Secondly, to make the choice for the betterment of humanity. Inherent to us is the attitude of selfishness. One only likes to advance his/her own agenda and forget everyone around his/her. Filipinos has this ‘crab mentality’ which we like to pull down those who are ahead of us. Jesus mandates us to work for the prosperity of all and to deny our own selfish desires.

Thirdly, to accept that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men. I’m convinced that we are getting tired on the wisdom of the world. The Lord of Wisdom is letting us know that the intelligence of people is no match to that of God.

Today, Jesus commands us to act upon what we have heard. Let us remember that a person who hears and does not obey is like the foolish man that built his house on the sand. When rain came down and the flood arose, the house fell with a great crash.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely yours,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Assistant Chaplain



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