Astig ka ba?

We Filipinos are fond of mixing up the letters of or spelling the words backwards. “Tol” is a term used to refer to sibling. It is a shorter version of “utol” which is derived from “kaputol.” “Arep” is a term for money, it being the Filipino equivalent of money which is “pera” spelled backwards. The word “astig” is “tigas” with letters jumbled.

The readings today ask us “Astig ka ba”? Tigas ka ba? Matigas ba ang puso mo kay God?

People in the readings have a hard heart. The people in the first reading easily forgot all great things God has done for them. In the gospel, the people had a hard heart. They were seeking a sign that would conform to what they wanted. Gusto nila sila ang masunod. Gusto nila si God ang mag adjust para sa kanila. Their hearts were closed to Jesus – the ultimate sign! Their hearts were closed to all the miracles, healing and teaching Jesus is doing. Binubuhay na nya ang patay, kulang parin. For them whose hearts were closed, nothing, no miracle or sign would ever be enough.

Jesus compared these scribes and Pharisees to the people who lived before them. The people of Nineveh were living a worldly life, but when Jonah was sent to them, they repented. The queen of the south was in awe with Solomon’s wisdom. These people were transformed by people who are far less than Jesus! Jesus is greater than Jonah or Solomon. He was the son of God! Yet the people failed to see that. They did not want to see that. Yes, astig sila. Ang tigas ng puso nila kay God!

What about us? Are we sensitive enough to God calling us in different ways? Are we sensitive enough to God’s whisper in our hearts? Do we believe in what Jesus wants to tell us through the bible, his Word? Do we read it? Do we seek a sign when making big decisions? Are we open on how he wants to reach out to us, or do we want him to give us the sign we are expecting? Do we want him to adjust to what we want?

As we start the week, let us be challenged by this question. Astig ka ba? Let us hear his voice and harden not our hearts.

Dear God,

Thank you for the weekend. It was fast, but it gave me a needed time to rest and to spend time with people important to me. Lord, as I start a new week, may I always be sensitive to you when you come to me in different ways. May I always recognize you and may I always surrender to your will. Amen.

Have a blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-