NO LOOKING BACK - 9/28/22 (Memorial of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions)

Luke 9:61-62

And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092822.cfm

Blessed Memorial of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions! God is infinite in His majesty. We can see His power in the things He creates and in the wonders of the nature. All of creation point to the glory of God. Even in our own lives, God has given us many blessings. As we recognize the greatness of our Lord, we may desire to follow Him and be disciples. This is pleasing in the eyes of God. But, do we understand what it means to be His disciple? It includes a radical transformation in life, which is truly possible if we depend on Christ. In the gospel reading, one person said that he wanted to follow Jesus, but he wanted to say "farewell" first to his family at home. However, our Lord told him that those who looked at what was left behind were not fit for the Kingdom of God. Why did Jesus say this? What's the meaning behind His words? 

When we look at the religious people like the priests, nuns, religious sisters and others, it's reasonable to think that there's nothing wrong with speaking to their family members before entering into seminaries, convents and/or monasteries. As such, the words of Christ doesn't literally mean that His disciples were always forbidden to speak to their families. But, what He said pertained to a deeper spiritual reality. Our Lord is telling all of us that we should not look and go back to what we left behind, and He is referring to our sinful past. Because we are human beings with numerous weaknesses, we may acknowledge the grave sins we have committed before. It may be that we are so materialistic and focused on worldly things, and our family members may have influenced us before to be attached to riches and honors. Because God is merciful and loving, He calls us to journey with Him and enter the Kingdom of Heaven by having the strong resolution to do what is good and avoid sins that are displeasing to God. 

Our journey will not be easy. There will be many temptations that make us to think to giving up our Catholic faith. We may also experience numerous sufferings. Let's not lose hope and instead, let's ask help from God during these times and look for models, like St. Lorenzo Ruiz. He's the first Filipino canonized saint, and he's a martyr. He was wrongly accused of murder, and when he flee, some people from Japan caught him and his other companions. This was the time of extreme religious persecution. He experienced numerous tortures that were indescribable. He was tempted to renounce his faith just to be saved from the sufferings, but by God's grace, he persevered and said, "I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly accept death for God; Had I a thousand lives, all these I would offer to God.” He may have shed blood, but he offered it to God. And now, he's glorious in heaven together with all the angels and saints. Another reason why he's a good model is because he's a layman and a married person. Holiness and sacrifice are possible for everyone. The more we find i difficult, the more we should seek God in our prayer, especially by adoring Jesus who is present in the Holy Sacrament. Let's come to Him before the Holy Tabernacle, Adoration chapel or Online Adoration and tell Him our fears and weaknesses. By doing so, He will grant us His strength for us to resist temptations, endure sufferings, and gain Christ. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/september-28---saint-lawrence-ruiz-and-companions-martyrs/

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/