Gospel: Mt. 17: 1-9
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid."
Work—Jesus’ touch
By Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD
There are some people who are known to have a “golden touch”—turning any kind of work or business they put their hands on into a financial success. Some others are said to have a “green thumb”, seemingly luckier with plants and trees than others are. Still others are enviable with what wonders they could bring with the touch of their hands. Yet, I think that no one could match what Jesus’ touch could do. The Gospels record some of the marvels of the touch the Son of God does—from raising the dead to life, opening the ears of the deaf, making the mute speak and many others to just simply removing fears from those afraid or assuring those feeling insecure.
The good news is: that those who believe in Him and are united with Him shares the same powerful touch. From the time of his Apostles until now, some Christians continue to work miracles through their powerful touch in Jesus’ name. Some of these wonder workers gain great media publicity while many others who are in the small towns and barrios are known only by those who experience directly or vicariously the awesome effects of their touch. But, I think that there are still a lot of unknown and unrecognized people are also performing wonders which may not be perceived as such but are nevertheless veritable miracles; they are the simple ordinary workers dirtying their hands on their routine tasks in perhaps some insignificant corner of the workplace.
These workers through their hard work feed their families, pay hospital bills for them, save their children from ignorance by paying for their education, etc…With their lively faith and real love for Jesus and those they work for, they could turn every single task they put their hands on into great rewards also for their eternal life.
Freedom from fear
By Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS
No workplace, however principled its people are, can ever be free of corruption. At one time or another it will be tinted by dishonesty, bribery, fraud, vice, because human beings are susceptible to temptation, and the workplace, being our “money bag”, offers many tempting occasions to make a quick buck. Let’s say you accidentally discover a scam involving your boss, another supervisor, his boss, the latter’s compadre in another office, his secretary, and at least two of your peers—and your conscience won’t let you sleep because the situation is seriously harming the company. Will you expose it?
Several factors come into play when discerning whether or not to expose evil. Will exposing it cause you to lose your job or turn you into a hero or a clown? Will it really clean the workplace for good or will it hardly make a dent in the collective conscience? How will it affect the other workers who are unaware such anomalies existed? What will happen now to your friendship with the culprits you will name? Are you willing to go to court if need be? What good will it do you and your family anyway? Since the anomalous situation involves your boss and other higher-ups, you would naturally be afraid to open your mouth.
You would be mistaken to think you’re the only one afraid. The guilty ones would be cowering in greater fear than yours, anticipating a fate worse than death: being uncovered in the public eye. They would be trembling in dread to see their reputation sullied, their ignominy outliving them for generations. Their tragedy should teach you that the only thing that lifts you above fear is the touch of Jesus, and Jesus is not only inside the church but is also in the workplace. Responding to His touch you would be strengthened against temptation and would always will to do right. Doing right keeps your conscience clean—and that frees you from fear.
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