When I was in elementary, my family would often go to Hagonoy, Bulacan to visit my grandmother. Whenever we were there, the very first thing that I would do was to go to my lola’s oratory where the images of St. Peter, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary were located. My Lola is a Marian devotee. Praying the rosary is part of her daily agenda. There was a time when my Lola asked me to lead them in praying. Unfortunately, I was not yet familiar with the mysteries of the Rosary. So, she put a lot of effort into teaching us how to pray.

I am very grateful that she taught us how to pray because prayer has become my ultimate weapon in facing life’s demands, especially here in the seminary. My grandmother taught us how to become good Christians too. She also imparted to us the importance of attending Holy Mass every Sunday.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches by word and action, by speaking and doing. His life becomes our example, our guide, and our encouragement to do good. There is a link between what we say and what we do, and when this link is strong, we witness for the kingdom of God. We are to “walk it as we talk it”. Sincerity and integrity in life are what we are called to. The Gospel challenges us to obey and to teach God’s commandments, for those who obey and teach His commandments will be called the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

By: Sem. Jimwell S. Sales

Today’s Gospel

Mt 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”