Wednesday of the 31st week in ordinary time year A
Rom. 13: 8-10 Luke 14: 25-33
Theme: Love fulfils the law
In the 1st reading of today from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded of the fact that love is the fulfilment of the law. This stems from the fact that if love for our neighbours guides us through our words and actions, we will never go against all the other laws. So, the most important thing is for us to reiterate the assertion of St. Augustine, which says, “Love God and do whatever you will”. When love is involved, there is no evil plot, hatred, bitterness, envy, jealousy and so forth. This is an admonition that is very important in our own time, when people are becoming increasingly self-centered and evil, and hatred is thriving. It is a call for us to retrace our steps and return to the right path given to us by God himself and it is founded on love of God and neighbours. It is never too late for us to decide to do what is good, right and pleasing to God in our individual lives.
If we resolve today to embrace a change of attitude, it will make a lot of difference in our lives, families and in the world at large. This is because when love rules, we will live in a better world than we have now, where there are wars, violence, the survival of the fittest, a high level of corruption and so many other things. God has shown us what it means to love by sending his son Jesus Christ to us, and Jesus also lived all his life in love. Let us all give love a chance in our lives and make the world a better place. We have nothing to lose when we begin to live a life that is guided and directed by love, rather it will attract Gods favours and blessings to us. Now is the time for us to make that important decision in our lives and allow love to always lead us.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus encourages us to embrace a life of detachment as we carry our cross daily to follow him. By implication, we are all encouraged to give God a chance in our lives, in such a way that he should come first in everything that we do. The admonition of Jesus in today’s gospel reading will be more meaningful if we take seriously the invitation to a life of love from the 1st reading of today. Let us take all this into consideration today as we go about our daily lives. May the Lord bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.