Tuesday of the 24th week in the ordinary time
Theme: Jesus the life giver
Today the church celebrates the memorial of one of the church fathers, St. John Chrysostom. He was a man of great faith, upright, and an ascetic. In his life, we see wonderful virtues that are worthy of emulation by you and I as children of God and as Christians. He courageously challenged unjust structures in both the church and the society; he was also a powerful writer. His faith in God influenced everything he did, in such a way that he suffered but led so many to God. He was not able to stomach any form of injustice, no matter who is involved, he stood for the truth and justice at all times. This is one of the attributes that we need to imbibe in our life today, when we live in a society that is full of compromises. We are all invited in a very special way today, to embrace the virtue of truth and uprightness, and let go off self-interests and greed that shuts our mouth from speaking the truth. Let us guide against compromises and stand for what is good and right.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the admonition of St. Paul in today’s first reading, reminds us of the fact that we are one in the body of Christ. Not minding the fact that we were all giving different gifts for the good of the body of Christ. Our ability to be contented with whatever God has given to us as individuals, will keep us away from unnecessary compromises that are not of God. We have to stand firm like St. John Chrysostom in any given situation we find ourselves, and do what is right and pleasing to God. This is one of the ways through which we can impact positively in the society in which we live. Do not fall into the temptation of greed that will lead you into compromises that you are not proud of at the end. His grace is sufficient for all those who are willing to embrace his invitation today.
Lastly in the gospel of St. Luke, we see Jesus empathising with the widow of Nain and brought her son back to life. Jesus is the life giver, the God that you and I worship and call our father. This simply shows that he has all the solutions and answers that we seek. What we need is to go to him with humility and experience his healing power in our lives and families. As you strive to do this, may almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.