Cool, not cold

THE STORY is told about a man talking to his officemate. "My wife and I had a fight last night," he said. His friend asked him, "How did it end?" "Why, she came crawling to me on her hands and knees" he boasted. "What did she say?" his friend again asked. "She said, 'Come out from under that bed, you coward!'" was the reply.

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In Today's Gospel (Jn. 8, 1-11) the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, full of pride, brought in a woman caught in adultery. They were going to use the occasion to embarrass Jesus, but in the end, they exited in shame, almost "crawling on their hands and knees" after they were convicted by Jesus' words. "Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Today, let us ask for forgiveness for our sins of pride and self-righteousness, specifically for those times we thought (and really believed!) that we were better, holier and more righteous than others, to the point of looking down at "them," or were condescending on "them."

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The Lord teaches us today to be slow in judging and in condemning others. Be not quick to draw in shooting down or putting down people, or belittling their qualities or qualifications. A very clear example of this is how we react to the present list of presidential candidates in the coming elections. By all means, let us elevate our own choices, but that does not entitle us to put down and speak ill of the others who are not of our liking or are not at par with our standards. Let the Magnificat remind us again: "He has cast the mighty from their thrones and He has raised up the lowly."

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The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were right in bringing in a woman caught in adultery "in aid of legislation," for after all, they were teachers of the law. What was wrong was their hidden agenda to raise themselves up and to put down Jesus and the poor woman they caught. How often have we, in the name of God and country and for righteousness' sake, professed dedication and sacrifice, when in fact, our only agenda was our own very selves? Hypocrisy to the 9th. We are all good at this, especially our politicians, they're the best.

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Jesus could have used the occasion to nail forever and get even with those who persecuted Him. Still, He gave them a "gracious exit," He taught them a lesson, but the extra mile was that He allowed them to learn their lesson. Magnanimity to the 9th. Compassion and understanding for those who are misinformed or misled. May we learn to raise up and not to kick those who are already down. Many a Pharisee must have gone home that night wondering what sort of a person Jesus was, amazed by His wisdom, but more so, touched by His gentleness and compassion. Jesus knew how to clear minds and how to melt hearts. Jesus teaches us again not only to aim for the head, but also to go for the heart. Are you all-head-no-heart?

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For husbands who complain, often in frustration that they don't know how to handle their wives, learn from Jesus. How did Jesus handle the woman after everyone has left? One, He gave her respect by calling her "woman." Two, He gave her gentleness. Three, He gave her affirmation. Four, He gave her firm admonition. And five, He did not give the woman the chance to say much! Kidding aside, the formula of respect, gentleness, affirmation and firm admonition is a formula that does wonders for any soul. We should try it more often. The secret is to be gentle but firm, and to be firm, but gentle.

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We were in Tabaco, Albay, Legazpi and Gubat last weekend for Lenten Recollections and Healing Masses. It was a beautiful experience to come home to Bicol where I spent a year of regency as a seminarian at the Divine Word College way back in 1978. I look back with a smile and grateful heart whenever I think of "cool Bicol, warm people." Come to think of it, Jesus shows us today who He was, and what we should be: Cool, but not cold. May we learn to be cool as we go through trials, problems, changes and strains. Through it all, in spite of all, may we keep our hearts warm. Stay cool. Don't grow cold. Stay warm.

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Inviting you to join a pilgrimage to Italy and Medjugorje from May 20 till June 2. There is something about Medjugorje that has brought renewal and conversions to many pilgrims in a very quiet and prayerful way. Also from June 4 to June 8 pilgrimage to Naju, Korea. For particulars, call +63 2 5238581 to 88 or +63 2 7217457.

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April 4 is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Join us for a half-day recollection starting at 8 a.m. at the Meralco Theater. Exposed to Jesus, may the Lord remove the coldness in our hearts, and make us aglow again in the Spirit.

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A moment with the Lord

Lord, teach me to be cool, but not cold, and keep the warmth in my heart as I travel through life. Amen.