“In our nothingness, God works fulness.” – Fr. Patrick Santianez
Allow me to share a story. Months ago, while attending Mass at Sitio Militar Chapel, I witnessed how a poor but rich woman rely on God and trust Him in her nothingness. I was simply standing beside this woman, maybe in her 50s, whom I know because she serves in the chapel.
During the offertory, she went around collecting the offerings with a small basket. When she was done with her service, she opened her wallet and placed almost all of her money inside, leaving only a few coins. On my way home, I reflected on what I had just seen. This woman, though materially poor, was incredibly rich in faith and trust in God. She offered almost all that she had, with no hesitation. She is the same woman who would message me, “Bro, magpapadala sana ako ng pang-meryenda niyo.” Despite her situation, she continues to give. Truly, God loves her and sustains her every single day.
But then we should ask ourselves: How generous are we in sharing what we have, brothers and sisters?
The Gospel this Sunday is not only about the reality of heaven and hell—it is also a proof of God’s love for the poor. God loves the beggars. God loves the humble of heart. The Gospel reminds us to reflect on how we treat our brothers and sisters who are suffering, who are hungry, and who are in great need. They may be beggars on the overpass, people ringing our doorbells, or strangers we encounter on the road asking for food to fill their starving stomachs, but they are deeply loved by our Lord.
Are we willing to give water to the thirsty? Food to the hungry? Clothes to the naked? Have we truly reflected on whether we are doing enough to help others? Many reflections have been made about this Gospel, but the question remains: Are we really remembering the poor? Because the truth is, we may have all the riches of this world, yet still be the poorest in deserving the Kingdom of God.
Let us again ask ourselves: Am I creating heaven in my heart by helping others, caring for them, and doing my best to uplift them? Or am I creating my own hell here on earth when I ignore the one knocking at my door, when I snub the hungry child asking for food, when I choose not to care at all?
In this season of typhoons, let us remember those who are pitiful, cold, and flooded. Let us make them feel that we can be living images of God even in these challenging times. The Gospel is clear: the wicked will be separated from the blessed. And when that time comes, there will be no turning back—only regret for the chances wasted in material possessions.
Let us then strive to be true images of Christ for others. As children of God, we are called to serve one another.
