Thursday of the 10th week in the ordinary time of the year A
Theme: The Christian reality
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus teaches us one of the realities of our lives as Christians. A teaching that challenges us to live a better life than usual human practice. Suffice it to say that he is challenging us to embrace a life of perfection as children of God. Ordinarily, the common thing would be to go for thanksgiving in the church, even when we are having issues with other people. Sometimes we may even be the source of another’s pain and sorrows, yet we are comfortable going to the alter of God without any form of worries or remorse. Jesus encourages us today to embrace reconciliation first before going to present our gifts at the altar of God. The emphasis in today’s gospel is centered on sincere reconciliation, make friends quickly with your accuser, lest you face the consequence that may be grievous.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the teaching of Jesus in today’s gospel is for all of us as children of God. It is such that many of us can easily relate to it. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on our human relationships. What is the motivating factor for you as a person in any human relationship you get involved in? This may be one of the guides that will help us to do a sincere reflection on the teaching of Jesus to all of us his followers. This is an issue that needs urgent attention in our lives as followers of Christ in our own time. If what drives our friendship is sincere love for one another, it may be a bit easier for us to treat each other right, but if there are hidden motives, then it may be more difficult to let go.
Dear friends in Christ, Christianity as a religion, invites us to a higher morality that is more than the usual thing that is practiced by others. The earlier we understand this fact, the better for all of us. This consciousness should help us to build a sincere relationship with the Divine. When Jesus presents such a teaching to us, it means he knows we can put it into practice in our daily lives as children of God. As humans, it comes across to us as a very difficult teaching, but with God all things are possible. Thus, when we are connected to the Divine, his grace will always enable and support us, when our human strength fails us.
May the grace of God continue to sustain us, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.