There are many times in my life when God throws me “unsuspected” graces. I say unsuspected since they come through pain, tears and fears. This makes me realize that God really works in mysterious ways.

I remember my days in Baguio when I had to be far away from my family to finish my studies. My college life was quite challenging since I did not have enough resources to cover my daily needs as student. There were times when I had to budget 500 pesos for my whole week’s expenses including my fare going home for the weekend. I even had to skip meals so that I could procure my school requirements. I had to walk from meters to kilometers just to reach the jeepney terminal going to my boarding house. I found myself asking so many “why” questions. Was God truly there for me?

Those were the days I had felt so alone and lost, thinking that God has abandoned me amidst those hardships. But now, as I look back, I realize that He actually never left me during those days just for nothing. Instead, He just prepared me for more challenging scenes in my life. The gospel today is one proof that pain comes with strength. Perhaps, on those days, He placed his full trust in me, that I could bear being alone, away from my family and be independent and strong as what He always wants me to be.

The gospel on the beatitudes constantly reminds me that there is hope amidst troubles. Jesus gave us these to reassure us that the negativities in this world such as poverty, hatred, and deprivation can be turned into positive ones. The gospel also challenges me that I can be a blessing to others who experience these difficulties. I may have gone through tough moments, however, these should not stop me from becoming God’s instruments in fulfilling His promise to those who are unloved and make them feel loved.

By: Sem. Marlon T. Yebes

Today’s Gospel

Luke 6:20-26

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets
in the same way.
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
But woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.”