The main sanctuary of the San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church in Paco is one of the simplest I have ever seen. It is typical of the many other churches built by the CICM missionaries. The Baguio Cathedral is also one of these.
The simplicity of the sanctuary helps us focus on the essential: the altar itself, the ambo, the presider’s chair, the crucifix. Latin words inscribed above the arched wall of the sanctuary invite us to consider the need for solemnity and proper decorum in our worship. The words are “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Sabbaoth,” which mean “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Host.” God is Almighty, Awesome, Majestic. He must always be revered, honored and adored with the highest praise.
But the Bible lessons today share with us the other side of approaching God, that is, by just being who we are. The first reading narrates Jacob’s nocturnal wrestling with an angel which Bible scholars claim to be merely a literary figure representing God Himself. The patriarch was set to meet Esau, his twin brother, whom he deprived of a firstborn’s blessing. Perhaps in his solitude with God, Jacob expressed his fears and anxieties, and God subdued him and made him submit to His divine will and purpose by morning.
Our Gospel likewise describes Jesus as one who looked at situations with much compassion. As He pitied the crowd, Jesus would surely have lifted up a sigh in prayer to the Father. There was much work to be done, lots of persons to minister to, and a limited time for Jesus to do His earthly mission.
Feeling with and feeling for the people could not but make us wrestle with God. And we are free to be honest with God about how we feel. Just as St. Teresa de Avila, Doctor of the Church, was. Aged and exhausted by her efforts to reform the Carmelite Order, she wrote, “God, if this is the way you treat your friends, no wonder there are a few of them!” Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
Reflection Question:
Recall a time when you wrestled with God in your prayer, thoughts and emotions. What experience brought this about? How did God make His presence felt? What message did God give you as you wrestled with Him?
Almighty Father, Your ways are too mysterious for me. Grant me wisdom to understand them.
St. Triphina, pray for us.
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