Monday of the 16th week in the ordinary time
Theme: An unfaithful people
In the 1st reading of today from the prophet Micah, we see God pointing out the fact that the people of Israel were ungrateful as a result of his love and good deeds he has shown and done in their midst. We see the lamentation of one who has giving so much and is getting very little in return from the people. The attitude of the Israelites in today’s 1st reading has not really changed much, even in our own time. God has not changed over time, he is still the same. He gives us so much as his children because of the depth of his love for us, but many of us through our actions show that we are very ungrateful people; this is as a result of our way of life. Faithfulness is in the nature of God, and all of us as children of God, should also strive to be faithful, by reciprocating the love of God that we enjoy.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, each time we stray from the path that God has mapped out for us in his word and sacraments, we grieve the spirit of God that dwells in us. This is as a result of the depth of the love of God for you and i. He expects that we will be appreciate of his love for us and do all within our power to also extend the same thing to our brothers and sisters who encounter us at different times in our journey of faith. It is expected that the faithfulness and love of God that we enjoy as people of God should spread and get to all those who encounter us in our journey of life. We are not called only to receive from God and our neighbours, we are also encouraged to willingly show the same love that we enjoy to other people who encounter us at different times in our journey of faith. Simply put, we are all encouraged to live a life that is good and pleasing to God at all times.
In the gospel reading of today, the Scribes and Pharisees are demanding for a sign from Jesus. This their attitude has not really changed, even in our own time. The quest for signs and wonders has led man Christians to places they should not be in the first place. The people are in search of signs and wonders and they go to any where they are directed by others that they will find this sign and wonders that will solve whatever challenge they are going through in their life. At the end of the day, they are exploited by deceptive people; who use them as a source to enrich themselves.
Dearly beloved in Christ, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever; he changeth not and will never desert or deceive those who trust in him. Just look up to him and be sincere in your dealings with both God and your brothers and sisters. May almighty God bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.