BOKASYONG AGUSTINO MINISTRY

This is a reflection on Lk. 9:43b-45.

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In the past few days, I noticed that the Gospel readings are getting shorter and shorter. But even though they are short, they have a hidden meaning and value that is very big.

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One of the things that caught my attention in the Gospel are the words, “Pay attention.” Jesus told the apostles to pay attention to what he is telling them. In other translations, “Let this words sink into your ears.”

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Most of the time, we say that we pay attention, but the truth is, we are just hearing the words of a speaker – letting the sound enter in one ear and going out to the other. “Pasok dito, labas doon.” Maybe some of us do this kind of hearing. If someone tells us a topic and then we are not so much interested, or we do not want to listen to that person, “Pasok dito, labas doon.” Giving our attention doesn’t simply mean listening and hearing and hearing, there must be also understanding.

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We remember from our childhood or even until now, that when the teacher said to pay attention, that would be the time when we will be alert and write almost everything that the teacher says, for it may be asked on the examinations.

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This attention is costly and free. It is costly because we pay for it, it has something that have higher value, like respect and honor. Attention is also free, no money is spent and no money is required. It just requires presence of mind in everything in which we give our attention.

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When we do not pay attention, we will kiss many things, and with this attention comes sensitivity to the needs of others.

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It is a reminder for us to participate attentively in the Holy Mass. Let us become vigilant, our spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Let us remain attentive and focused in the Holy celebration so that we will only think of Jesus and our intentions and no other thing that could distract us.

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Remember that it is important to pay attention, study hard with passion, work with compassion, have a good communication and pray with devotion in order to have a fruitful formation.