Jul 20 – Memorial for St. Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr
According to tradition, Apollinaris was a native of Antioch in the Roman Province of Syria. He was made the first Bishop of Ravenna by St. Peter during the persecutions of Emperor Vespasian (or Nero, depending on the source),
On his way out of the city he was identified, arrested as being the leader, tortured and martyred by being run through with a sword. Centuries after his death, he appeared in a vision to St. Romuald. He was a noted miracle worker, and is considered especially effective against gout and epilepsy.
- Wikipedia
Mic 6:1-4,6-8
Mt 12:38-42
“…there is something greater than Solomon here.”
In this day and age, we are so dependent on signs in everyday life. Road signs, street signs, company signs or logos, titles or directional signs. Signs everywhere that tell us where to go, where to get the things we need; signs that represent our financial or societal status.
Signs are but labels. They are certainly required in some scenarios, as they help us navigate unknown territories, for example, road signs. But they also hinder us and taint our vision, especially when it comes to people. The signs are more hidden, labels that we apply to people based on our coloured lenses. We want to label people to fit neatly into our ideas. Instead of seeing people as Christ sees them — precious children of God — we see people through their education, occupation, or social status.
In today’s Gospel reading, the Pharisees and scribes seek a sign from Christ, even after they witnessed Jesus healing a man with a withered hand. They seek a sign not to confirm that He is the Son of God, but to trap Him and conspire against Him. They had already made up their minds about wanting to get rid of Jesus in order to safeguard their own social standing and power.
Due to their self-interest, stubbornness, and blindness, they refuse to see the truth – that Jesus is the Messiah. They expected the Messiah to be like King David — a powerful King to lead Israel out of bondage from the foreign powers. Their preconceived ideas and denial of what is in front of them prevented them from seeing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. As Jesus pointed out, “there is something great than Solomon here.” Unfortunately, they could not see the truth.
Brothers and sisters, let us pray that we are not blind like the Pharisees, and see the truth — that Jesus is the Second Person of the most Holy Trinity, the Christ, the Son of God. Let us also see as Christ sees. Instead of labels, let us see others as children of God, with the full dignity and love that God has imparted to them.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)
Prayer: My most precious Lord, please open our hearts, minds and eyes; and see people instead of labels; help us to see You in everyone we meet.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us. Thank you for loving us despite our stubbornness and blindness. Thank you for not giving up on us but sending Your Son and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
OXYGEN 
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