by Marie-Lucile Kubacki
Jakarta –True Christian hope is not built upon grand institutional programs, but upon a quiet, attentive awareness of God’s gentle action in the ordinary moments of daily life. This central message formed the core of the spiritual retreat led by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle for the bishops and delegates gathered in Jakarta for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences . Addressing Church leaders from across the continent, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization invited the assembly into a deep conversion of the eyes, learning to recognize the extraordinary action of God in the ordinary things.
Seeing God in the ordinary
Reflecting on the Gospel of John, Cardinal Tagle underscored that pastoral leadership must begin with a contemplative gaze capable of perceiving how God operates through humble, unpretentious means. Rather than burdening the Church with the pressure of self-generated success, discipleship asks for a quiet spirit that knows how to pause, observe, and marvel at what Christ is already accomplishing in silence.
Highlighting Jesus’ promise to Nathanael, the Cardinal clarified the authentic nature of the Christian mission: “Scripture does not say, ‘You will do greater things.’ Jesus says, ‘You will see greater things.’ It is Jesus who does the great works. Our task is to see them.”
Throughout the Gospel narrative, the divine presence consistently reveals itself not in spectacular displays, but through unassuming everyday realities. « At the wedding feast at Cana, the disciples witnessed Jesus’ first sign when He transformed water into wine after what appeared to be an ordinary social embarrassment. Likewise, the Samaritan woman encountered the Messiah during a simple conversation at a well, Mary Magdalene initially mistook the risen Christ for a gardener, and the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Him only in the breaking of the bread », he explained. “The great works of Jesus come through ordinary things,” Cardinal Tagle reminded the assembly, adding that “part of our conversion is recovering our sense of wonder at God’s work.”
Illustrating this truth with personal encounters, the Cardinal recounted a moment on the streets of Manila when a traffic vendor unexpectedly offered him food purely as a gift as well as a poignant meeting in Lebanon where a young refugee child expressed a spontaneous desire to know Jesus after receiving simple acts of charity. Such moments, he noted, reveal that the Gospel spreads not through complex strategies, but through genuine, unadorned gestures of love.
Recognizing today’s Mary Magdalenes
This theme of divine simplicity found its fullest expression during the concluding Eucharistic celebration on the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. Honored as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” Mary Magdalene exemplifies how God turns to those whom human society often disregards or deems insignificant.
Recalling her journey from suffering to restored dignity, Cardinal Tagle noted: “Mary Magdalene had a beautiful story. She suffered greatly, yet she was seen by Jesus. She was named, recognized, and transformed by His love.” Even at the foot of the Cross, when fear had dispersed many, her unwavering presence bore silent witness to her devotion. “Those women stood there as if declaring to the world: ‘We know Him. We cannot deny Him. Our commitment will not waver,'” he observed.
It was precisely in the simplicity of hearing her own name spoken by the Risen Lord that Mary Magdalene’s grief turned into joyful recognition. As the Cardinal emphasized, “a very simple act made her see the greatest event.” Entrusted with the first announcement of the Resurrection, her message contained a pure, direct testimony: “I have seen the Lord.” By selecting her as the initial testimony of Resurrection,”the risen Lord made sure that the greatest news would be witnessed by people the world would not easily embrace,” Cardinal Tagle reflected, highlighting that “she was the bridge to the other disciples.”
Concluding his reflection, Cardinal Tagle urged Asian Church leaders to cultivate this same evangelical simplicity in their local communities, learning to identify the overlooked witnesses of grace who walk among them. “In our parishes and dioceses, there are many Marys of Magdala. It is important to see them,” he insisted, highlighting the divine virtue of simplicity.
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