It is not every opportunity I have received in life that was merited, for I am limited and do not know it all. In fact, some opportunities came my way when I was least prepared. How did I make it through? At times, by humbling myself, asking for help, showing remorse when I was wrong, pleading for mercy, and praying to God, my heavenly Father and helper. As the saying goes, “No one is an island.”
In today’s readings, we see how people had access to better opportunities but could not claim them because of their sins. They had to humble themselves and seek help. In the Gospel, we learn about the prodigal son, his remorse and humility alone earned him his father’s acceptance even before he could ask for mercy. Similarly, in Genesis 31-33, Jacob lived in fear and bondage in a foreign land because of his past offense against his brother Esau. However, when he humbled himself, bowing seven times before Esau and pleading for mercy, he found peace, joy, and freedom.
I recall an incident with my younger brother. He once offended a short-tempered man who, in his rage, slapped him multiple times and damaged parts of his bike. Rumors soon spread that my brother was in a relationship with the man’s daughter and that she might be pregnant. Upon hearing this, I was furious. I was well-respected in the neighborhood, and my instinct was to confront the man. I approached him with the force of Manchester City marching onto Stamford Bridge to challenge Chelsea. The onlookers anticipated a fight, but instead, I knelt on one knee, placed my right hand on the ground, and pleaded for his forgiveness on my brother’s behalf, assuring him it would not happen again. That simple act of humility dissolved the entire conflict, and the gossipers were left without a story to tell.
Dear friends in Christ, I encourage us to plead for mercy when necessary, for it brings peace and opens doors to better opportunities in life. May the mercy of God always speak for us. Amen.
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