Nang panahong iyo’y sinabi ni Jesus, “Ama, Panginoon ng langit at lupa, salamat sa iyo, sapagkat inilihim mo ang mga bagay na ito sa marurunong at matatalino, at inihayag mo naman sa mga may kaloobang tulad ng sa bata. Oo, Ama, sapagkat ganoon ang nais mo.”

Mateo 11:25–26

Nag-aapply ng trabaho si Emily sa isang kilalang company sa Makati. Nag-graduate siya sa isang kolehiyo sa probinsya, at first time niya sa Metro Manila. Mahigpit ang requirements at marami siyang kasabay na aplikante. Karamihan sa kanila ay mukhang matatalino at magagaling. Narinig niyang mas pinapaboran daw ang mga galing sa sikat na universities. But this did not stop Emily. She knows that God’s favor is not given according to human standards. 

In this world, many people give more recognition and respect to those who are considered popular and great. Societies tend to favor those with power and possessions. Sadya man o hindi, marami ring pagkakataon na mas napapahalagahan ang may matataas na pinag-aralan at achievements. Because of this, the poor and the lowly often think little of themselves.

Kahit noong panahon ni Jesus, ganito rin ang kalakaran ng lipunan. But the Kingdom of God is upside down. So, Jesus went on to proclaim that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12, NIV). This is very evident in the way God reveals Himself to people — nagpapakilala Siya sa mga mabababang loob. If in this world being meek is a disadvantage, in the Kingdom of God it is not.

We might not have what the world values pero kung nasa atin naman ang pag-ibig ng Diyos, nasa atin ang pinakamalahaga sa lahat. Even if we are far from reaching the standards of success in this world, we are near to the heart of God. Kung nanliliit tayo sa ating sarili, let’s seek the Lord nang may pagpapakumbaba. The Lord reveals Himself to those who humbly seek Him. This is the Father’s will.