"Indi Kabangdanan Siya Nga Magpakasala Ang Isa Sining Mga Kubos"

 Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 17:1-6)

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya mga sumulunod, "Indi mahimo nga indi mag-abot ang mga pagsulay. Pero kaluluoy ang tawo nga mangin kabangdanan sang pagpakasala sang iya isigkatawo.

Mas maayo pa sa iya nga higtan ang iya liog sang galingan nga bato kag itagbong siya sa dagat sang sa mangin kabangdanan siya nga magpakasala ang isa sining mga kubos.

Gani mag-andam kamo! "Kon makasala ang imo utod sa imo, sawaya siya. Kag kon maghinulsol siya, patawara siya.

Kon sa sulod sang isa ka adlaw makapito siya makasala sa imo, kag kada makasala siya nagapangayo siya sing patawad, patawara siya."

Nagsiling ang mga apostoles sa iya, "Ginoo, dugangi ang amon pagtuo!"

Nagsabat ang Ginoo sa ila, "Kon may pagtuo kamo nga pareho lang kadako sa binhi sang mustasa, sarang kamo makasiling sa sini nga kahoy, 'Gabuta ang imo kaugalingon kag magsaylo sa dagat!' Kag mapati ini sa inyo."

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Meditation: 

What's the driving force in your life? Jesus speaks of two forces at work in our lives – the power of temptation to sin and cause harm and the power of faith to overcome obstacles and difficulties that stand in the way of loving God and our neighbor. The Greek word for temptation (scandalon) is the same as the English word scandal. The original meaning of scandal is a trap or a stumbling block which causes one to trip and fall. The scriptures warn us about the snare or enticement to go astray and to do what is evil. Keep me from the trap which they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers! (Psalm 141:9) Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling (1 John 2:10). The Jews held that it was an unforgivable sin to teach another to sin. If we teach another to sin, he or she in turn may teach still another, until a train of sin is set in motion with no foreseeable end. Jesus warns his disciples of the terrible responsibility that they must set no stumbling block in the way of another, that is, not give offense or bad example that might lead another to sin. The young in faith are especially vulnerable to the bad example of those who should be passing on the faith. 

While Jesus warns against the danger of giving bad example and causing scandal, he also demonstrates the power of faith for overcoming obstacles and temptation to sin. What did Jesus mean when he said that our faith can move trees and mountains as well (see Matthew17:20; Mark 11:23)? The term "mountain remover" was used for someone who could solve great problems and difficulties. Don't we often encounter challenges and difficulties which seem beyond our power to handle? What appears impossible to human power is possible to those who believe in God's power. Faith is a gift freely given by God to help us know God personally, to understand his truth, and to live in the power of his love. God expects more from us than we can simply do by ourselves. That is why Jesus gives us the gift and power of the Holy Spirit who helps us to grow strong in  faith, persevere in hope, and endure in love. Faith in God is the key for removing obstacles and difficulties which keep us from doing his will. We belong to God and our lives are no longer our own. Our joy and privilege is to follow the Lord Jesus and to serve in the power of his love and goodness. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to work in and through us for his glory. For our faith to be effective it must be linked with trust and with obedience – an  active submission to God and a willingness to do whatever he commands. Do you trust in the grace and strength which God freely gives to help us resist temptation and to overcome obstacles in doing his will? 

"Lord Jesus, you give us victory over the destructive forces of sin and harmful desires that keep us from doing your will. Give me the strength to always choose what is good and to reject what is wrong. May your love rule my heart that I may forgive those who cause me harm and guide those who need your help."