Is betrayal the worst sin?

Betrayal, the intentional breaking of trust and loyalty, can be considered the worst sin due to its devastating consequences on relationships, families, and societies. It may be seen as the ultimate selfish act – disregarding long-term consequences for immediate personal gratification.

When researching how to define “beauty”, a definition that piqued me is how beauty is acquiring “a surplus of meaning”. If we reverse this and apply this to betrayal, it is heartbreaking to think betrayal can be a “surplus of hurt”.

When a couple falls in love with the full beauty of each other, they acquire a surplus of meaning – the couple emerges as a new entity greater than the sum of their individuality. Both individuals are better off compared to before.

But what about betrayal? We can argue that the hurt it brings not only dissolves the supposed loving relationship but also tramples on the dignity of the aggrieved. The wronged is in a worse space than when the relationship started.

The great challenge for the Christian: can we learn to forgive and love despite betrayals? It is not easy. But at least we have a model in Christ who was willing to forgive.

Judas failing to forgive himself for his own betrayal is another story. In this sense, betrayal harms not only the betrayed but also the betrayer.

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Matthew 26:14-25. What will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you? But they gave him thirty pieces of silver. And from thenceforth he sought opportunity to betray him.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-095: APRIL 5, 2023]

What appears to be good may not necessarily be

In life, there are instances where we face situations that, on the surface, seem to be positive or beneficial, but upon closer inspection, reveal a hidden stench that even perfumes cannot mask.

What appears to be good may not necessarily be, and it is crucial for us to scrutinize these seemingly positive situations to uncover the hidden truths.

There are no shortcuts. We can only choose to pay attention consistently and discern. But in faith, we keep on hoping for the best.

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John 12:1-11. “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-093: APRIL 3, 2023]

Weathering with you: Should society sacrifice the minority for the benefit of the whole?

For those of you who don’t know Weathering With You, here is a summary created by Bing Chat:

“Weathering With You is a 2019 Japanese animated romantic fantasy film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. It tells the story of Hodaka, a high school boy who runs away from his rural home to Tokyo and meets Hina, a girl who can control the weather. The film explores themes such as love, sacrifice, faith, and environmental issues.”

The climax of the movie was punctuated by Hodaka’s exclamation about Hina having to be sacrificed to restore the weather:

“Who cares if we don’t see the sunshine ever again? I want you more than any blue sky. The weather can go crazy.”

At first read, this seems like a very childish, immature, and selfish view of the “greater good”. However, this made me also think: what about the “common good”, or the good of everyone, including the minority? Isn’t it unfair to pin our hopes to a singular savior when the weather and ecological crises we may have been experiencing are due to our society’s own negligence?

The very young protagonists of the movie should not be stripped of their innocence and their opportunity to enjoy young love. It is on us as a society to cultivate a world that is conducive for the flourishing of the next generation.

Relating this to the Christian faith, Someone already sacrificed Himself for us. Since His sacrifice should be more than sufficient already for our salvation, it would be such a tragedy if we needlessly sacrifice and harm any stakeholder just for convenience.

“Who cares if we don’t see the sunshine ever again? I want you more than any blue sky. The weather can go crazy.” We cannot blame Hodaka for thinking this way.

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John 11:45-56. “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.”

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-091: APRIL 1, 2023]

If we were to pause and reflect, what would our true highlight reel consist of?

While social media enables us to share the highs of our lives, it also encourages us to curate an image that isn’t entirely authentic. We often find ourselves seeking validation through likes, comments, and shares, creating a feedback loop that feeds our ego and fosters a sense of self-importance.

To manage this, we must first recognize that life’s most significant moments often go unnoticed in the digital world. The quiet acts of kindness, the genuine connections we forge with others, and the personal growth we experience – these are the true highlights of our lives. When we focus on cultivating these aspects, we can foster a sense of balance and genuine self-worth that is not reliant on external validation.

It is essential to approach social media mindfully, using it as a tool to connect and inspire, rather than to compete and compare. By being conscious of our intentions and practicing humility in our digital interactions, we can navigate this world without succumbing to narcissism. Ultimately, the key lies in remembering that our true worth extends far beyond the curated images and highlights we share online.

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John 8:51-59. If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-089: MARCH 30, 2023]

When we follow a leader’s commands

When we think of a leader we are loyal to, why do we obey that leader’s commands?

I doubt that our loyalty is blind (or else, we admit that we are not followers of a leader but fans of an idol).

Our loyalty and obedience are most authentic when we view that the commands of the leader are consistent with our shared values and shared mission. In this sense, enacting the command of our leader means that we feel that the leader is with us.

Not dictative, but co-creative. A leader is not a dictator, but a co-creator.

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John 8:21-30. The one who sent me is with me.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-087: MARCH 28, 2023]