Thursday of the 11th week in the ordinary time of the year A
Theme: Be on your guard
In the 1st reading of today from St. Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians, he spoke like a true shepherd that he is to the people. His words of admonition were to prepare the minds of the people, against any form of false teaching that they may be given when he leaves them. He prepared the minds of the people, so that they will be on guard against wolves who will come to manipulate them for their personal and selfish gains. This is the message of a sincere prophet, who has worked selflessly for God and for the good of the people. This type of admonition can come from only somebody who loves you with a sincere heart. He has prepared them very well with the word of God and have given them some insight about some of the challenges they may encounter as children of God.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the assertion of St. Paul in todays 1st reading is also very relevant to us as Christians in our own time. We must be careful and be mindful of wolves in sheep clothing that are in our midst today. We must be vigilant and guide against falling into their hands as prey that they will continue to manipulate for their personal selfish gains. Sometimes they exploit our vulnerability and desperation. Especially when we are anxious about a particular need or request, we have been praying for in our life. We begin to move from place to place in search of a solution to our problem, and sometimes we fall into the hands of such people, and we become their major source of income. We are all encouraged today in the 1st reading to be mindful of false prophets, whose main aim is to exploit us for their personal gains.
Dear friends in Christ, let us listen to the admonition of St. Paul in today’s 1st reading and remain steadfast and trust in God at such moments. We must be careful, because our desperation will make us vulnerable, and we can easily fall into the hands of false prophets. No matter the situation you find yourself in life, always trust in God, do your best, and continue to pray. What God cannot do does not exist! He is the same yesterday, today and forever; he does not change. He has handled more difficult situations than what you are presently going through in your life. Just be patient and trust him, he is faithful and reliable.
May almighty God strengthen our faith in times of trials, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.