Friday of the 32nd week in ordinary time
2 John 4-9 Luke 17: 26-37
Theme: A message of love
The 1st reading of today from the 2nd letter of St. John, is inviting us to love one another, through the practice of the commandments of God. The practice of love is what many of us are already doing in our daily lives, what is needed now is for us to make it more inclusive by making more people beneficiaries of our love. Don’t be discouraged by thinking it is not possible, it is very possible, because the saints we celebrate in our liturgical calendar practiced it, and so many other people are doing the same thing in our own time. The most important thing is our personal resolve to make it happen in our life by trusting in the grace of God to help us.
Dear friends in Christ, the admonition of Jesus Christ in the gospel reading, that we should be ready and always prepared, will be more meaningful to us if we embrace the words of encouragement from St. John in today’s 1st reading. Living a life that is founded on love, is already one of the wonderful ways through which we can prepare for the coming of Christ in hope. It will help us to impact positively in the society around us and enthrone the presence of God among his people in a very active way. We all can resolve today to begin by making honest effort to practice true love in our human relationships, not manipulative and self-centred love. Remember, it is never too late to begin with God.
The assertion of Jesus in today’s gospel reading, should always guide our actions and human relationships. Never get carried away by the happenings around you and forget what really matters in your life as a child of God. This was the mistake that was made by the people of Noah’s time and Lot’s time. Now that we can make a difference, let us make that effort to get things right in our lives. This is the best way to always be prepared and ready for the Lord, since none of us know when it will be for us.
As we continue to strive to become better people, 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.