Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

REFLECTION:

I am currently on Maui for the funeral of a good friend’s aunt. The family wanted me to preside at the funeral of their beloved aunty, so they flew me up here for it. Being back on Maui always brings memories, but this time, while reflecting on Paul’s letter to the Romans, I was reminded of a personal story that struck close to the heart.

One of my nieces—born, raised, and baptized Catholic—married a man who is a Jehovah’s Witness. Over time, she grew deeply involved in his church. One day she posted on social media telling her Catholic friends to turn away from the faith, saying that the sign of the cross is satanic and wrong. When I saw her post, I didn’t react with anger or argument, but saw it as a teaching moment. I wrote to her: “We sign ourselves with the sign of the cross not as a superstition or empty gesture, but as a reminder that we are sinful people, and that the cross is where our salvation comes from. It is the sign of Christ’s victory over sin and death.”

A few moments later, her dad—my cousin—saw her post and replied bluntly, “Shut your mouth and keep your comments to yourself.” (SMH! LOL.)

That moment reminded me so much of St. Paul’s words in today’s reading: “I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.”

Paul wasn’t angry at those who rejected the faith; he was heartbroken. His sorrow came from love. He longed for his brothers and sisters, his fellow Israelites, to recognize Christ—the very fulfillment of all their promises. His anguish was born not out of pride but of compassion, because he knew what they were missing when they turned away from the truth.

When we encounter loved ones who have drifted from the Church or turned against what we hold sacred, it’s easy to react defensively or emotionally. But Paul teaches us that true witness is rooted in truth and love. To “speak the truth in Christ” means that our words are guided not by ego or debate, but by the Holy Spirit who moves our conscience toward compassion.

Like Paul, we must carry both truth and sorrow in our hearts. Truth—because we are called to proclaim the Gospel without compromise. And sorrow—because love aches when it sees others walk away from the grace and joy we have found in Christ.

So the next time we find ourselves in moments like mine—with a niece, a child, a friend, or anyone who challenges our faith—may we respond as Paul did: not with bitterness, but with a love that prays, “Lord, open their hearts to see You again.”