Tuesday of the 28th week in ordinary time year A
Romans 1: 16-25 Luke 11:37-41
Theme: Hypocrites!
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, and Martyr. He is highly regarded because of the seven letters he wrote on his trip to Rome, as a prisoner condemned to die because of his beliefs. He wrote to counteract the teaching against the authority of the New Testament and on the suffering and death of Christ, not been apparent but real. These were teachings that were misinforming people, and he was ready to put his life on the line for his beliefs. Suffice it to say that he courageously stood firm for his faith in God until the end. Sometimes in our call to discipleship, we encounter situations that truly test our faith in God, at such moments what do you do? St. Ignatius of Antioch whose feast we celebrate today has just given us an insight on what to do. Sometimes the price is quite high, just like in the case of the saint whose feast we celebrate today.
In the gospel reading of today, we see Jesus admonishing the people about the need to guide against hypocrisy and be sincere to themselves and to other people. He posited a very important question, “Is it not the same God that made the inside that made the outside”? Most times people are more concerned about the external that other people can see, while the inside is the opposite of the outside. In this type of situation, what is the driving force for you as a person, if not to mislead the people and paint a picture that is not the real thing? Can you relate with the assertion of Jesus in todays gospel reading? Sometimes we emphasize the trivial things, while the real things are neglected; that is exactly what played out in the gospel reading of today. Have there been moments when you have made such a mistake in your life? We are all encouraged today to guide against hypocrisy in our lives and be sincere in the message we send out to other people.
It is very clear from the scriptures that Jesus did not accommodate any form of hypocrisy from the people, he was seriously against it, and he pointed it out whenever the need arises; just like in the gospel reading of today. It is never too late to decide to begin to do what is good and right in the sight of God. We pray today that through the intercession of St. Ignatius of Antioch, we will strive to be true to ourselves and others in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.