Friday of the 27th week in ordinary time year A
Joel 1: 13-15; 2:1-2 Luke 11:15-26
Theme: Jealousy is evil
In the gospel reading of today, we see how jealousy can easily destroy those who allow it to guide their actions. Some of the people who saw the miraculous works of Jesus, could not accept it because of their jealousy, so they decided to discredit him by saying that he is using the power of Beelzebul; can evil cast out evil? They knew it was not true, but they allowed their jealousy to lead them to do evil. The action of these people in today’s gospel, did it come to an end with them, or it is practiced in our own time equally? Your guess is as good as mine.
Today’s gospel scenario is admonishing all of us as children of God, to do away with jealousy in our lives. Appreciate what God is doing in other peoples lives and be contented with what God is doing in your own life. Sometimes the challenge some of us face that leads us to jealousy is the fact that we are not content with what we have, so we want what other people have in their own life. At other times, it is because of our greed, you want what is happening in their lives to be happening in yours, for you it should be you and not them, so you are jealous and full of anger and hatred for them.
Just like in the parable of the talents, they were given according to their capability, and what each was given is enough to make him a better person. The man that was given one talent for instance, should not be jealous of the person given three or five. The most important thing is for you to make adequate use of what you have, and through it God will continue to bless you. God decides who to give what and who to use for a particular purpose, accept that fact and be thankful for the one he decides to give you and you will be blessed. Let us guide ourselves against jealousy in our lives, it is evil and destructive. It will make you do things you are not proud of and can easily destroy you. Trust in God and be grateful and appreciative for what he has given you, and he will bless you more than you expected. As you 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.