SIMPLICITY, PATIENCE, COMPASSION - C: 4th Sun in Easter

First Reading: Acts 13:14, 43-52 (8 May 2022)

“I have three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures” (Lao Tzu).

This is Lao Tzu’s statement in Tao Te Ching, referring to these virtues as the foundation of Taoism. He continues, explaining, “These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you align with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you strengthen your connection with all beings in the world.”

The same virtues are actually reflected in the lives of Paul and Barnabas in our first reading today, which deals with the first leg of Christian missionary journeys to the Gentile world, covering the territorial stretch of Syria (cf. Acts 13:4−14:26). Indeed, both were simple in their lifestyle, travels, and dealings with ordinary people. In fact, Paul was a tentmaker by profession (cf. 18:3-4), earning his daily bread while simultaneously preaching about Jesus. With their simplicity in their ways and means, these missionaries were able to reach and touch more people—the inhabitants of Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe—because

they were better equipped to understand the people’s daily concerns and economic struggles in life.

Paul and Barnabas were also men of extreme patience. This is evinced by their resiliency in the persecution they constantly received from the Jewish authorities, who appeared to be jealous of their efficiency and popularity among the Jewish populace (13:45, 50a). How could mere simple people with no hold of religio-political power muster so huge a crowd? How could they enter synagogues and begin to convince pious Jews to believe in Jesus who had just been crucified? How could they give hope to everybody when their only collateral is the truth that they dearly held on to? (cf. 13:42-44, 49; 14:21).

Nonetheless, they were dauntless in their evangelization despite all the persecutions that they would face (13:8, 45, 50b; 14:2-5, 19).

Both disciples are portrayed, too, as compassionate persons. They would be tireless in their ministry and indefatigable in their mobility. Furthermore, despite gaining a huge following in this first leg of mission, Paul and Silas—Barnabas had formed his separate mission team with John Mark (15:36-41)—would conduct two more missionary journeys, covering not only Asia Minor (cf. 15:36−18:22), but even reaching Macedonia and Greece (cf. 18:23−20:38).

The motor that motivated them to keep on doing this prophetic ministry is their compassion for the outsiders and the marginalized. Paul, then, would be known as the Apostle of the Gentiles.

Tomorrow, the Filipino nation will select its next leaders. The ideal heads of our country should be persons who are not detached from the suffering of majority of its constituents. Candidates who have lived in luxury, are not down-to-earth, and are associated with traditional politicians and oligarchs have really no place in public governance. It is because their hearts are far from knowing the inner struggles and longings of their sheep. In effect, when elected to a position of power, they could not function as good shepherds who would fight first for the welfare of the flock. Rather, they would be more concerned of securing their family wealth, gratifying their cronies and benefactors, and shunning ordinary people from getting in touch with them.

As Mother’s Day is also celebrated today in many countries, may the example of the simplicity, patience, and compassion of our own mothers be also the barometer by which we judge whom to vote tomorrow. May our Mother Mary inspire and intercede for us as we fight for a better Philippine society that is God-fearing and has a compassionate heart for the poorest Filipino.

- Rex Fortes, CM