Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 / 1 Cor 3:16-23 / Matthew 5:38-48
A person's religious affiliation is not that obvious, especially in a country where there are a number of religions.
In other words, what religion does a person officially embrace is not publicly stated, besides the fact that a person can also change religious affiliation.
But a person may exhibit some signs that might indicate a person's religious orientation.
So, if a person is seen going to church, or wears some Christian religious objects like a cross, then that person could possibly be a Christian.
To make a fairly correct guess as to whether a person is a Catholic, is not that difficult actually.
Catholic religious objects and articles are quite unique and distinct, and if a person uses them, it is quite likely that the person is a Catholic.
And it is also relatively easy to identify a vehicle, especially a car, that is owned by a Catholic.
Because hanging on the rear view mirror, would be a Rosary, or at least a Crucifix, and on the dashboard, there would be something like a mini altar. That is how we identify whether the cars in the car park belong to our parishioners or not.
So, it can be said that Catholics, or those who have an orientation towards the Catholic faith, can be quite distinctly identifiable.
In a sense, we can be quite proud of that, and yet in a sense, that can make us quite vulnerable.
Because when others come to know that we are Catholics, they could be quite inquisitive and start asking us about this and that.
Or, they may be quite intrusive and ask piercing questions like, “why pray to Mary”, or “why pray to statues and holy pictures”, or “where is this found in the Bible?”.
It can be an opportunity to evangelize, but by and large, Catholics are not that good in answering questions about the faith, and also in a way, Catholics are not that well versed with the Bible, which is something we have to work on.
But when others know that we are Catholics, then in a way we are being observed, and also put under a so-called scrutiny.
Because they would expect something different from us, and that something is to be expected.
Because they would expect us Catholics to be charitable, kind and compassionate, much like what Jesus said in the gospel.
And Jesus said this in the gospel: Offer the wicked no resistance, offer the other cheek, offer more than what is asked for.
As if that is already not enough, Jesus continues to say: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
To say the least, that is difficult, actually, very difficult. But it is in striving to do what is difficult then we will make a difference.
Jesus made a difference because He not only taught what is difficult, He also did the difficult.
He forgave His prosecutors and He died for sinners.
So, to be a Catholic, we just can't be mediocre, or just be mundane in our way of life.
In many ways, the world looks at those who profess a religious affiliation to show something different.
And as Catholics, the world looks at us to show them the God that we believe in.
It is said that to err is human, to forgive is divine.
We may have our human shortcomings and failings, but we still must show the world the divine power of love and forgiveness.
Yes, we are human, but we are called to be like the divine, we are called to be like God who created us and called us to be His beloved children.
When we listen to the Divine call, then we can be the echo of the Divine voice to the world.