GOD knows those of us who work so hard and who patiently fulfill our responsibilities and obligations. God knows our fidelity to him and our persistence to live and believe despite our struggles, pains, dilemmas, heartaches and disappointments.
God knows our generosity, kindness, and compassion to others. He knows our true motives. And so, despite any false opinions of others regarding ourselves, he alone knows our true hearts; he alone can judge us.
God sees those of us who persevere in faith and who keep doing good works without expecting any recognition. God knows those who quietly lead their lives taking care of their families and helping those who are in need.
God knows those who are passionate for honesty and justice, for equality and liberty. He knows those who genuinely care for others, those who do not take advantage of the weak and the poor. He surely knows those who are persecuted, maligned, and oppressed. He will never forget them because he sees their clean consciences.
This Sunday’s First Reading from the Book of Genesis reminds us of the truth that God acts with justice to those who are faithful to him. Abraham plea-bargained with God after seeing the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. He asked God, “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people with it? The Lord replied, “If I find fifty innocent in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake. Abraham asked again, “What if there are five less than innocent people? Will you destroy the whole city because of those five? He answered, “I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five.” Abraham continued to bargain with God: “What if there are only found thirty, twenty, or ten innocent people? To each plea-again God answered, “I will not destroy it.”
God does not only treat justly those who are faithful to him, he is also generous to them by answering their prayers. Hence, in the Gospel this Sunday Jesus assures that if they ask, they will receive, if they seek, they will find, if they knock, the door will be opened to them. Then he said, “What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?”
This, indeed, is Good News for those of us who are discouraged, who have become victims of injustice and malicious acts. In the end we know that God would favor us. He will not forsake us. He will liberate us from the pangs of our enemies and will let us shine before others. God alone knows what is right. In Him we trust. Amen!
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Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at [email protected].
