Mementote | Remember

"Remember those in prison,... Remember also those being mistreated..." - Hebrews 13: 3 (NLT)

Admonition is often defined as a good reproof, instruction, teaching, learning, and exhortation. Admonition always contains constructive values but never leads people into negative actions. Such a thing could happen depending on the person who receives the advice. Admonition has always been taken as a form of prayer in the shape of love, concern, and attention of others to us.

At the end of the letter to the Hebrews, the writer soaks us with very real advice which must live within us. Be mindful of prisoners as if we are sharing their imprisonment, cherish one another in every relationship, not to be greedy but be content with what we have, obedient, responsible, exemplary, not misdirecting others into sin, but most importantly live in brotherly love. This is the law of compassion. That every man deserves the same love and opportunity without discriminating against others, whoever he or she is, our enemies or friends. Sometimes we have to listen to others and not just demand others to listen to us.

In family life or religious community life, there are many experiences and things where we exist and encounter. Depends on a person’s perspective on how to react on them. We often hear or read or practice the Johari Window theory about the four elements that make up a person's personality. Among those elements, one was said, “I did not know and understand myself, but others did.” It means that sometimes we don't know ourselves but we think as though we know ourselves very well, so that we refuse to accept reproof from others. God knows everything about us as God uses other people to remind us of every action that we did.

God invites us to reflect and look at the depth of our beings. Do I have such a personality - that needs to be improved? If it is in me then be grateful, for through those people - who remind us of what we did, the Lord wants to shape our lives as better, mature, and opinionated beings. Because it is through them that God shows his love, mercy, and compassion. It can be in  anything and might be boring and monotonous at times. Yet, here God has touched our hearts. God is willing to show us his true love. Thus we may say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.”(Hebrews 13:6).

 

Reflection on Hebrews 13: 1 - 25 by Sr. Maria Venidora SND

(Listen to the Podcast here)