Thursday of the 23rd week in ordinary time
1 Cor. 8: 1b-7.11-13 Luke 6: 27-38
Theme: The Christian challenge
In the gospel reading of today, from St. Luke, Jesus presents to us a teaching that challenges the authenticity of our discipleship. Our call to discipleship, places us on a higher standard and much is expected from us, just like in the case of Jesus Christ. We must do things differently from the usual thing that even those who do not believe in God practice in their own life. A very important point that was raised by Jesus, is that we must show mercy to all those who offend us, not the other way round. This is a teaching that truly tests our faith in God. It is easier for us to go the common way, which emphasizes revenge more than the mercy of God. This teaching that is presented to us today in the gospel, is a necessity in our society today, and in our lives.
However, it is a teaching that is expected from anyone who is a Christian. That is why people are fast to point it out to you as a Christian, whenever you make such a mistake. It is a teaching that calls us to perfection and places a higher standard on Christians. One thing we must understand is the fact that the teaching of Jesus in today’s gospel reading is quite challenging, but it is something that we all can do, with the help of God. The most important thing is, are we ready to cooperate with the grace of God, to make it possible in our lives? Like I always say, when there is will, there is always a way. An honest effort will always be supported by God’s grace.
In the 1st reading of today, St. Paul encourages us to be humble and selfless in our dealings with one another. Never allow the knowledge you think you have gotten get into your head, such that it begins to affect your relationship with other people. You must be mindful of other people, who are not as knowledgeable as you and try to carry them along by helping them. This is important, so that your actions will not lead other people who are not as knowledgeable as yourself into sin. This is one of the ways through which we can show that we are true disciples of Christ, as presented to us in the 1st reading of today by St. Paul. We pray that the good Lord will grant us the grace to put the word of God that we hear and read into practice in our lives, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.