Monday of the 32nd week in ordinary time
Titus 1: 1-9 Luke 17: 1-6
Theme: “Lord, increase our faith”
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Martin of Tours, a bishop. He is also referred to as Martin the merciful; he was indeed a merciful man. There is this story about when he was still in the military and a catechumen; he cut his cloak in half to share it with a beggar. That night, he dreamt that Jesus himself was clothed with the torn cloak. When he woke up, the garment was restored. As we celebrate him today, it is an invitation to us as children of God to emulate him by practicing mercy and love.
In the gospel reading of today, after listening to the teaching of Jesus, the apostles requested for an increase in faith. This was very necessary at that time, taking into consideration the challenging words of Jesus. Jesus started by acknowledging the fact that there will be temptation to sin, but woe to him by whom it comes. That is why we must be very careful, lest we lead some people who look up to us astray. We must guide against misleading actions in our daily life. Always remember that you may just be the only book that an individual may have the opportunity to read, try to make the outcome a positive one for both you and the person. With this consciousness in our daily life, we will be leading people to heaven and not leading them astray. This is very possible, if we resolve to do it, trusting on God’s grace.
Jesus also talked about the need for us to forgive anyone who offends us and is remorseful, as often as it happens. You will agree with me that sometimes it may be challenging to forgive an individual repeatedly, but that is what Jesus is encouraging us to practice in our life as children of God. Humanly speaking it may seem to be impossible, but we stand on the word of God which says that his grace is sufficient for us in any given situation we find ourselves in life. The fact that Jesus said it, means that it is something that we can do in our lives if we resolve to make it happen. Simply put, it may be a difficult task, but it is not impossible, taking into consideration the fact that with God everything is possible.
In view of this, we are all encouraged to pray for the grace to let go all those who have offended us. As we forgive them, it also gives us the opportunity to pray for the forgiveness of those we may have offended. As we continue to pray for increase in faith, 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.