THE DEBATE

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. – Colossians 3:11

I was riding the commuter train when two Caucasian men in their early twenties sat beside me. I was surprised when they greeted me, “Magandang tanghali po!” They were Mormon missionaries.

They shared about how faithful their church is to God. It was now clear that they wanted to proselytize me. I told them I was Catholic and shared that Jesus appointed Peter as the head of His Church and his successors to lead. That’s how faithful our Church is! I saw the surprised look on their faces after I shared that. Then I noticed the other missionary got some flyers and notes from his backpack. I assumed he was getting ready for a theological debate so I changed gears by changing the topic.

I asked them about their family. One of them shared how he missed his father who was also sick at home in Utah. I offered to pray for his dad’s recovery right there and then. They both bowed their heads as I said my prayer. They thanked me profusely and told me how pleasant it was for someone outside their church to pray for them and their sick parent.

Religion is not about debates. Religion is about loving others like Jesus. - alvinfabella@yahoo.com Didache, 842019

Reflect: Do you love others like Jesus loves? Do others see Jesus in you?

Lord, may I see the goodness in each person that I meet. Amen.

St. John Vianney, priest, pray for us.