CONSTRUIRE DES PONTS DANS UN MONDE COMPLEXE : MÉDITATION SUR LUC 10 : 1-12. (VERSION FRANÇAISE. )

 

Introduction

Dans Luc 10 : 1-12, nous voyons Jésus préparer un grand groupe de ses disciples pour une mission cruciale. Il ne s’agit pas des douze apôtres dont nous entendons souvent parler, mais d’un groupe plus large de 72 disciples. À travers ce passage, Jésus donne un aperçu profond de la nature du disciple, de l'évangélisation et de l'établissement du royaume de Dieu sur Terre. En tant que chrétiens, ce passage nous invite à reconnaître notre rôle important dans le grand récit du plan rédempteur de Dieu et à discerner comment nous pourrions y participer activement.

1. Confiance et co-missionnement :

L’un des traits les plus frappants de ce passage est l’immense confiance de Jésus en ses disciples. Le nombre 72 est significatif dans le contexte biblique. Dans la Genèse, 70 nations ont émergé après le déluge. Ils représentaient l’humanité entière. Dans Nombres 11 : 24-25, Moïse avait sélectionné 70 anciens à qui Dieu a accordé son Esprit et ils devinrent des prophètes. Pendant ce temps, deux autres hommes avaient été choisis pour monter sous la tente avec les 70 anciens. L'un s'appelait Eldad et l'autre Medad. Bien qu'ils ne soient pas sortis à la tente avec les 70 anciens, l'Esprit de Dieu est quand même venu et s'est reposé sur eux et ils prophétisèrent dans le camp (Nombres 11 :26). Cela nous amène donc au nombre 72.

En sélectionnant 72, Jésus démontre symboliquement comment sa mission est liée à celle de Moïse dans l'Ancien Testament, mais aussi que sa mission est d'atteindre chaque nation, indiquant que le message du Le Royaume de Dieu est universel.

En mandatant ces 72 disciples, Jésus démontre sa confiance dans leur capacité à faire avancer sa mission. Cela souligne que la tâche de construire le Royaume de Dieu n’appartient pas à un groupe exclusif mais relève de la responsabilité partagée de chaque croyant. Il les a envoyés 2 par 2, soulignant ainsi l'importance de la communauté car là où deux ou plusieurs sont rassemblés en son nom, Il est au milieu d'eux ( Mt 18,20). Jésus voit le potentiel de chacun de ses disciples et croit que, animés par le Saint-Esprit, ils peuvent accomplir de grandes choses. La question qui se pose alors pour nous est : « dans quelle mesure sommes-nous prêts et disposés à être associés à la mission du Christ aujourd'hui?»

2. Les instructions de Jésus : un guide pour le disciple d'aujourd'hui :

Jésus n’a pas envoyé les 72 sans préparation. Ses instructions spécifiques ont une signification profonde :

Voyager léger (v. 4) : Jésus leur demande de ne pas porter de sac ou de sandales. Ses propos sont évidemment symboliques et ne sont pas à prendre à la lettre. Dans notre monde encombré, c'est une invitation à la simplicité et à la confiance dans la provision de Dieu. Nous devons être libérés des attachements excessifs et nous concentrer sur la mission d’être chrétien. Cela s’applique particulièrement à ceux qui sont appelés spécifiquement au travail d’évangélisation dans l’Église.

Entrez dans les maisons en disciples de paix (v. 5-6) : Habituellement, chaque fois que les Israélites se rencontrent, ils se saluent en disant : « SHALOM » , qui signifie « PAIX ». Notre approche des autres, en particulier de ceux que nous cherchons à évangéliser ou à aider, doit toujours commencer par la paix. Dans un monde complexe où les croyances et les idées sont diverses, engager des conversations avec une attitude paisible et un beau sourire peut créer des ponts.

Restez et mangez ce qui est fourni (v. 7-8) : Cela signifie le contentement et le respect des cultures et des personnes avec lesquelles nous interagissons. Nous ne devons pas imposer nos attentes mais apprécier et trouver Dieu même dans des territoires inconnus. Les chrétiens doivent toujours se rappeler qu’ils sont des instruments que Dieu veut utiliser pour communiquer sa présence aimante et libératrice dans le monde. Nous ne devons donc pas imposer notre foi aux autres.

Guérir les malades et proclamer le Royaume (v. 9) : Notre mission est d’apporter à la fois la guérison physique (répondre aux besoins tangibles) et la nourriture spirituelle (partage de la Bonne Nouvelle). Dans le contexte actuel, cela nous appelle à un ministère holistique qui s'adresse à la fois au corps et à l'âme. Que des vies blessées aujourd’hui et sont en attente d’un mot, d’une parole qui les aide à retrouver la guérison !

 

Acceptation et rejet (v. 10-12) :

Jésus reconnaît que tout le monde ne recevra pas ses disciples ou leur message. Dans nos efforts, nous serons nous aussi confrontés à l’acceptation et au rejet. Cependant, notre responsabilité est de rester fidèle, en veillant à avoir fait notre part avec amour et sincérité.

La mise en service des 72 est un témoignage puissant du rôle que chaque chrétien joue dans le plan rédempteur de Dieu. Jésus, en leur confiant, ainsi qu'à nous aujourd'hui, une mission si importante, souligne la responsabilité collective et le privilège que nous détenons.

Dans le monde complexe d'aujourd'hui, notre approche doit être basée sur la simplicité, la paix, le respect, le ministère holistique et la persévérance. Il nous est rappelé que la tâche qui nous attend ne repose pas sur notre force mais sur la confiance que Jésus a en nous, fortifié par le Saint-Esprit. Prier pour les missionnaires aujourd'hui est aussi un moyen de participer activement à cette mission. Les disciples vont partager dans la mission leurs expériences de vie avec Jésus. Voilà donc ce qu’est être missionnaire, chrétien : partager notre propre rencontre avec Jésus.

Puissions-nous, comme les 72, répondre à notre appel avec foi et ferveur, pleinement conscients de notre rôle dans le Royaume de Dieu.

 

Prière:

Seigneur Notre Dieu,

Sur les traces des 72 disciples, nous nous présentons devant Toi, en toute humilité et reconnaissants de la confiance que Tu nous accordes. Alors que nous naviguons dans les complexités de notre monde, aide-nous à adopter la simplicité, à porter ta paix dans chaque cœur et à respecter et aimer tous ceux que nous rencontrons.

Accorde-nous la grâce de servir de manière holistique, en répondant à la fois aux besoins tangibles et spirituels de ceux qui nous entourent. Puissions-nous toujours nous rappeler que ce n’est pas par notre force ou notre puissance, mais par Ton Esprit, que nous pouvons partager la lumière de Ton Royaume.

Dans les moments de rejet ou de difficultés, puissions-nous trouver du réconfort dans Ton amour immuable et poursuivre notre mission avec une fidélité inébranlable.

Donne-nous, Seigneur, le pouvoir de répondre à notre appel, pleinement conscients de notre rôle dans Ton magnifique plan. Avec confiance dans nos cœurs et Ta parole sur nos lèvres, puissions-nous contribuer à la construction de Ton Royaume ici sur Terre. Amen !

Que Dieu Vous bénissent abondamment….

BUILDING BRIDGES IN A COMPLEXE WORLD: A MEDITATION ON LUKE 10: 1-12.

 

Introduction

In Luke 10:1-12, we find Jesus preparing a large group of his disciples for a crucial mission. These are not the twelve apostles we often hear of, but a larger group of 72 followers. Through this passage, Jesus provides profound insights into the nature of discipleship, evangelism, and the establishment of God's kingdom on Earth. As Christians, this passage invites us to recognize our significant role in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan and to discern how we might participate actively in it.

 

1. Trust and Co-Missioning:

One of the most striking features of this passage is Jesus’ immense trust in his disciples. The number, 72, is significant in the biblical context. In Genesis, there were 70 nations that emerged after the Flood. They represented the whole humanity. In Numbers 11:24-25, Moses selected 70 elders upon whom God bestowed his Spirit and they prophesied. Meanwhile, there were two other men chosen to go up to the tent with the 70 elders. One was called Eldad and the other Medad. Although they did not go out to the tent with others, the Spirit of God still came and rested on them and they prophesied in the camp (Numbers 11:26). So, this brings us to the number 72.  By selecting 72, Jesus symbolically demonstrates how his mission is connected with that of Moses in the Old Testament, but also that his mission is to reach out to every nation, indicating that the message of the Kingdom of God is universal.

By commissioning these 72, Jesus demonstrates trust in their ability to advance His mission. It underscores that the task of building the Kingdom of God isn’t for an exclusive group but is the shared responsibility of every believer. He sent them 2 by 2, thus underlining the importance of community because where two or more are gathered in His name, He is in their midst (Mt 18:20). Jesus sees the potential in each of his followers and believes that they, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can accomplish great things. The question then for us is : “how ready and willing are we to be associated to Christ’s mission today?”.

 

2. Jesus’ Instructions: A Guide for Today’s Disciple:

Jesus didn't send the 72 out unprepared. His specific instructions carry deep meaning:

Travel Light (v. 4): Jesus asks them not to carry a purse, bag, or sandals. In our cluttered world, this is an invitation to simplicity and trust in God’s provision. We are to be free from excessive attachments, focusing solely on the mission. This is particularly applicable to those called specifically to the work of evangelization in the Church.

Enter Homes with Peace (v. 5-6): Usually, whenever the Israelites meet themselves, they salute each other by saying : “SHALOM”, which means “PEACE”.  Our approach to others, especially those we seek to evangelize or help, should always begin with peace. In a complex world with diverse beliefs and ideas, initiating conversations with a peaceful demeanor and a beautiful smile can build bridges.

Stay and Eat What’s Provided (v. 7-8): This signifies contentment and respect for the cultures and people we interact with. We should not impose our expectations but appreciate and find God even in unfamiliar territories. Christians should always remembers that they are instruments that God wants to use to communicate his loving and liberating presence in the world. Therefore, we should not impose our faith on others.

Heal the Sick and Proclaim the Kingdom (v. 9): Our mission should bring both physical healing (meeting tangible needs) and spiritual nourishment (sharing the Good News). In today’s context, it calls us to holistic ministry that addresses both body and soul.

Acceptance and Rejection (v. 10-12):

Jesus acknowledges that not everyone will receive his disciples or their message. In our endeavors, we too will face acceptance and rejection. However, our responsibility is to remain faithful, ensuring we’ve done our part in love and sincerity.

The commissioning of the 72 is a powerful testament to the role each Christian has in God’s redemptive plan. Jesus, by entrusting such an important mission to them and to us today, emphasizes the collective responsibility and privilege we hold.

In today’s complex world, our approach should be one of simplicity, peace, respect, holistic ministry, and perseverance. We are reminded that the task ahead isn't based on our strength but on the trust Jesus has in us, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Praying for Missionaries today is also a mean of participating actively in this mission. The disciples are going to share in the mission their life experiences with Jesus. So, this is what being a missionary, a Christian is about: sharing our own encounter with Jesus.

May we, like the 72, rise to our calling with faith and fervor, fully aware of our role in the Kingdom of God.

 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

In the footsteps of the 72 disciples, we come before You, humbled and grateful for the trust You have placed in us. As we navigate the complexities of our world, help us to embrace simplicity, to carry Your peace to every heart, and to respect and love all whom we encounter.

Grant us the grace to serve holistically, addressing both the tangible and spiritual needs of those around us. May we always remember that it is not by our might or power, but by Your Spirit, that we can share the light of Your Kingdom.

In times of rejection or hardship, let us find solace in Your unchanging love and continue our mission with unwavering faithfulness.

Empower us, O Lord, to rise to our calling, fully aware of our role in Your magnificent plan. With trust in our hearts and Your word on our lips, may we contribute to the building of Your Kingdom here on Earth. 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! 

EMBRACING SIMPLICITY : ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI AND THE CALL TO A CHILDLIKE FAITH.

St Francis of Assisi. 

Today, we celebrate the feast of St Francis of Assisi, (1181-1226) founder of the Franciscan Order, including the Poor Clares and the Lay third Order. Thanks to him, the Catholic Church rediscovered the beauty of evangelical poverty in the 13th Century. Let us remember that it was St François who invented the Christmas creche. It is undoubtedly the fruit of his contemplation of the humility of God revealed in his humanity.

This Wednesday, October 4, opens in Rome the last stage of the «Synod for a Synodal Church», launched on October 10, 2021 by Pope Francis. Starting this great even on the day of Feast of St Francis is certainly significant for the Church and all lovers of nature. 

As we embark on our reflection today, let our hearts be drawn to the teachings of the Apostle Paul and the words of our Savior, and let’s see how they connect with the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. 

Galatians 6:14-18 

“But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.”

Matthew 11:25-30

“At that time Jesus exclaimed, ‘I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

St Francis : an embodiment of the Crucified Saviour: 

St. Francis of Assisi, the poor man from Umbria, Italy, epitomized these teachings. His life was a testament to the cross and the transformative power of Christ's love.

In the experience of St Paul who speaks of boasting only in the cross, we see St. Francis who renounced all worldly possessions, identifying with the poor, the lepers, and all of God’s creation. For Francis, the Cross was not a symbol of defeat but of triumphant love and surrender. Like Paul, (Cfr. Galatians 6,17) he bore the marks of the Crucified Jesus, receiving the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his body. Francis lived in a world crucified to him, finding his only boast, his only glory, in the love of Christ. Like him we too can be imbued with a deep gaze of love for our fellow human being and the nature. 

The Childlike Hearts of St Francis and the Mystery of God. 

In Matthew, Jesus speaks of the hidden mysteries revealed to the childlike. St. Francis embodied this childlike simplicity and trust. His approach to faith was unburdened by the complexities and debates of his time. Instead, he embraced a direct and profound relationship with the Creator, mirrored in his love for all creatures, be it a wolf or a bird. He teaches us that whoever fixed eyes on  the Crucified Saviour, contemplate His immense Love for us, enters into deep communion with Him, will no longer see the creation and human beings are objects to be exploited but rather as expression of Divine Will. Such experience leads  into a harmonious living, (that state of being in which Adam and Eve were before their disobedience).  We can call this a “mystical experience of Faith”.  Like Saint Francis we can learn to find God in all things, revealing the mysteries of divine love in the simplest of gestures. Are we not all called to a mystical experience of God? 

The call to unburdened service :  Love and Peace

Finally, as Jesus calls out to those who labor and are burdened, promising them rest, we are reminded of the invitation St. Francis extends to us: to cast off the heavy burdens of materialism, pride, and self-interest and to take on the ‘yoke’ of humble service, love, and peace. For in doing so, just as Christ promises, we will find our souls unburdened and free. If every single day, we resolutely accomplish even a single act of charity, gesture of peace, kindness, we will see our lives gradually being transformed into Christ-like. 

On this feast of St. Francis of Assisi, may we be inspired by his example. To live a life not of the world, but in the world, reflecting the love and humility of Christ. Let us find joy in simplicity, see God in all creation, and embrace the cross, not as a weight, but as a bridge to eternal love.

Let us Pray: 

Gracious Father, in the gentle whispers of the wind and the simple songs of birds, we hear the echo of St. Francis’ love. As he found glory in the cross and saw Your face in all creation, inspire in us that same profound simplicity. Guide us to cast off the burdens of this world, to embrace humility, and to serve with a heart unburdened. Like St. Francis, let us find rest in Your embrace and see the mysteries of Your love in every moment. Through the intercession of St. Francis, draw us closer to You, that we may walk in his footsteps and reflect Your love to all. 

We make our prayers through Christ our Lord! May God bless us abundantly, Amen. 🙏🙏🙏

Navigating the rough roads: a Disciple’s Guide to perseverance in Faith. Meditation on Luke 9:51-56.

Scripture Passage:

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, 'Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?' But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.” – Luke 9:51-56 (NIV)

Meditation:

Divine Purpose:

As Jesus knew His mission and “resolutely set out for Jerusalem”, so must every Christian discern and stick to the divine calling in their lives. Jerusalem is the place where he laid down his life for us. Luke used the expression “resolutely” to underline how challenging it was for the Lord.  The road to fulfilling God’s purpose might not be free from obstacles or rejections, yet our resolve should never waver. Jesus wasn’t swayed by convenience or public opinion; He was driven by obedience to the Father’s will.

Encountering Rejection/Obstacles:

The rejection in the Samaritan village offers a profound lesson. As disciples, we will encounter environments that are not welcoming, times when our message or presence will be rejected. Yet, Jesus teaches us to approach such circumstances with grace and resilience. The Samaritans’ rejection wasn’t based on a fault in Jesus but their own prejudices and misconceptions. Similarly, sometimes people’s refusal to accept the Gospel isn’t always about the message but their own internal battles or biases. 

Jesus was also confronted with internal obstacle: the reaction of James and John. In trying to do God's Will we too may encounter obstacles from within: close friend's reactions to our resolution to follow the Gospel path, the path of non-violence, of peace, etc. Each of us is called to identify his or her own rejections and or obstacles and present them to the Lord in prayer.  

Avoiding Vengeance:

James and John’s reaction to the rejection might resonate with some of us. Their instinct to call down fire from heaven mirrors the human tendency to retaliate when hurt. Yet, Jesus rebukes them, reminding them, and us, that the Kingdom of God isn’t about vengeance, show of power but about love, mercy, and patience. Our discipleship isn’t authenticated by the power to destroy but by the strength to forgive and move on.

Moving Forward:

After the rebuke, Jesus and His disciples moved to another village. Jesus knew that his two disciples were at fault, but he didn’t allow that to prevent them from following him. Rebuking them was enough. This shows the value of not getting stuck in a place of rejection or one’s failures. As Christians, we’re called to keep moving forward, to find new fields and new hearts that are ready for the seeds of the Gospel. Every ‘no’ we encounter should not be an endpoint but a nudge to move towards the next opportunity.

 

Exhortation:

In our discipleship journey, let us remember the lessons from this passage:

Be resolute in your divine purpose and mission.

Approach rejection with grace, understanding that it’s often less about us and more about the other person's journey.

Resist the urge to retaliate. Our strength as disciples lies in our ability to love, forgive, and extend mercy.

Keep moving forward. Don’t get bogged down by setbacks but look ahead to the many opportunities God has in store.

May our walk mirror that of Jesus, marked by purpose, grace, love, and an unwavering commitment to the call of discipleship.

 

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father,

With hearts set on Your divine purpose, we come before You. Grant us the resolve, as Jesus had, to pursue Your calling for our lives, undeterred by challenges or rejections. When we face closed doors or unwelcoming hearts, teach us to respond with grace, patience, and understanding. Keep us from the temptations of retaliation and bitterness, and instead fill us with Your love, mercy, and the strength to forgive.

As we journey in our discipleship, may we continuously move forward, seeking new fields to sow seeds of the Gospel. Let our steps be guided by Your wisdom and our actions reflect Your heart.

HEAVENLY COMPANIONS: CELBRATING OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS [1st Reading : Exodus 23:20-23: Gospel. Matthew 18:1-5, 10]

 

 

Meditation:

God’s Protective Care through Angels.

In the hush of sacred spaces, we gather today, reflecting on the mystery and the majesty of our Guardian Angels. Our Catholic faith teaches us of the unseen presence of these celestial guardians, assigned to guide and protect us in our journey towards our eternal home.

Guidance beyond the physical realm.

Today’s feast provides us with an opportunity to re-connect  with our guardian angels, speak with them. The Exodus passage offers a vivid portrayal of God’s protective care. Just as God sent an angel to lead and safeguard the Israelites, each one of us is accompanied by a guardian angel to steer us through life’s deserts and challenges. It's not just about physical protection, but spiritual guidance. This angelic guide, carrying God's name within, demands our attention and obedience, nudging us towards righteousness and away from disobedience to God's will. 

Embracing Angelic qualities.  

This directive to listen and pay attention to the guiding angel can be juxtaposed with the simplicity of Christ's words in the Gospel of Matthew. By placing a child in the midst of His disciples, Jesus beautifully exemplifies the qualities needed to recognize and heed the gentle whispers of our guardian angels: innocence, humility, and trust. It is no coincidence then, that the angels of these ‘little ones’ gaze continuously upon the face of God.

Both readings speak of a heavenly link – a connection maintained by these guardian angels between humanity and divinity. They stand as intermediaries, ensuring that the innocence of a child's soul and the yearnings of every heart do not go unnoticed by the heavens.

Padre Pio and Guardian Angels.

I would like to share here with you one of the numerous stories about Padre Pio and Guardian Angels. It was said that during his earthly life, Padre Pio had a personal relationship with his guardian angel, he was privileged to see him, know his name and often conversed with him. A story was told of a certain Cecil Humphrey-Smith, a well known gentleman from England, who was one of Padre Pio’s spiritual children. Whilst in Italy, during the time Padre Pio was alive, Cecil had a car crash and was very seriously injured. A friend of his, seeing him in such a bad condition afterwards, went to the Post Office and sent a telegram to Padre Pio requesting his prayers for the injured Cecil. When he presented the telegram at the desk, the man gave him back a telegram from Padre Pio assuring his prayers for Cecil Humphrey-Smith's recovery.

It was some months before Cecil was in good enough shape to travel again, but immediately he had recovered he made tracks for San Giovanni Rotondo. On this occasion, both Cecil and his friend met Padre Pio and they thanked him for his prayers. At the same time, they were curious to know how he came to know about the accident and how a telegram had arrived in such a short space of time. In response to their demand, Padre Pio, in his humoristic way said: “Do you think the Angels go as slowly as the planes?”[1]

Embracing angelic presence.

As we celebrate the Feast of Guardian Angels, let's remind ourselves to embrace childlike humility and purity. Only then can we truly tune in to the subtle guidance of these divine messengers. Their protection isn't merely about avoiding physical harm, but about preserving our spiritual well-being, guiding our hearts towards God, and keeping our souls unstained by the world. It is also a call to be “guardian angels for one another”. This is achievable through daily little acts of charity, kindness, works of mercy, etc.

Today, in gratitude and wonder, we whisper a silent prayer, acknowledging and thanking these tireless guardians who constantly bridge our earthly journey with the celestial realms. May we, inspired by their constant gaze upon God, also strive to fix our eyes upon our Heavenly Father, knowing that as we walk through life, we are never truly alone. May we listen to their tiny voice in the silence of our hearts. 

 

Let Us Pray.

Heavenly Father, creator of all that is seen and unseen,

We gather in reverence, embracing the mystery of our Guardian Angels.

As they watch over us, guide us, and protect our path,

May we be ever mindful of their presence, a testament to Your love.

 

Grant us the grace to listen to their gentle whispers,

To embody innocence, humility, and trust in our daily walk,

And to find in their guidance, a beacon towards righteousness.

 

Today, as we reflect on the stories and teachings shared,

Help us deepen our connection with these celestial guardians,

May their constant gaze upon You inspire us to fix our eyes on the Divine.

 

Thank you for these tireless protectors, bridging our earthly journey with the heavens.

Remind us, O Lord, that in our every step, we are never truly alone.

We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.

 

 

---

[1]. EWTN, "Padre Pio and the Guardian Angels", in  www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/padre-pio-and-the-guardian-angels-13856. 

A CALL TO TRANSMIT LIGHT OF FAITH THROUGH AUTHENTIC WITNESSING

Ezekiel 18:25-28

Ezekiel highlights an important perspective: while we might sometimes feel like questioning God’s justice, it’s crucial to turn that lens back onto ourselves. Isn’t it often our own actions that fall short? Instead of dwelling on past achievements or mistakes, let’s focus on our present journey towards God. Every moment offers a fresh start, and God’s arms remain open wide to welcome us back, to help us stand up each time we fall. Christians sometimes face the temptation is being complaisant with failures instead of striving to rise again.

Matthew 21:28-32

Then, we have the story of the two sons from the Gospel of Matthew. It’s a poignant reminder that words alone don’t define our commitment to God, but actions do. How often have we promised faithfulness to God, to our Christian commitments and then not followed through? The essence of our Christian journey is not in grand declarations but in the quiet, consistent choices we make every day, no matter how small they may be.

In our world where appearances often matter more than reality, Jesus’ words about the tax collectors and prostitutes resonate even louder. They, who were once on the fringes, embraced genuine transformation upon hearing the message of John the Baptist and Jesus. Their story isn’t just an ancient tale, but a modern call: to seek depth in our faith, not just its surface. It is truly in this permanent search for authenticity that we find solace and happiness.

Recall the words of Pope Francis at the beginning of his pontificate: “God is never tired of forgiving us,  but we sometimes are tired of asking God’s forgiveness. He is a loving Father who always forgives.” (Message from the 1^st Angelus of Pope Francis on 17 march). These aren’t just words of comfort but a challenge. Are we courageous enough to continually seek God’s mercy and, in turn, extend that mercy to others?

So, as we navigate our spiritual paths into this new month, let’s prioritize authenticity, humility and ardent desire to do God’s will. The Kingdom of God, as St. Paul reminds us, is about a life of goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The world needs witnesses who not only speak of such a kingdom but live it out with joy and conviction.

In every ‘yes’ we offer to God, let it be a genuine commitment, reflecting in our daily choices. As we look to Mary, our Blessed Mother, as the perfect model of saying ‘yes’ to divine will, may our lives be a vibrant testament to the love and transformative power of Jesus Christ.

 

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father,

Guide our hearts towards true authenticity in our walk with You.

Help us remember that while words matter, it is our actions that truly reflect our commitment to Your will.

Strengthen us to embrace each day as an opportunity for genuine repentance and transformation, looking beyond the superficial and seeking depth in our faith.

May we be inspired by the tax collectors, prostitutes, and all who have found their way back to You, reminding us that Your mercy knows no bounds.

Let our ‘yes’ to You be genuine, our lives a testament to Your unfailing love and grace.

As Mary, our Blessed Mother, showed unwavering faith,

May we too, live our faith with authenticity, conviction, and joy.

We make our payers through Chris our Lord, Amen.

 

 

 

 

FROM RESISTANCE TO OBEDIENCE: THE DEPTH OF AUTHENTIC FAITH.

 

                MEDITATION. 

26TH SUNDAY, ORDINARY TIME, CYCLE A.

Jesus extends his helping hand towards us today. Are we ready to receive him! 

Ezekiel 18:25-28

“But you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.”

 

Matthew 21:28-32

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

Meditation:

In these passages, the consistent message of repentance and genuine transformation stands out. Both the prophet Ezekiel and Jesus Christ, in the Gospels, stress the importance of authentic conversion — of truly turning one's heart and life towards God.

In Ezekiel, we are confronted with the notion of justice. The Israelites accuse God’s way as being unjust, yet God redirects the focus onto the actions and choices of the people. It's a strong reminder that our actions have consequences, and God's judgment is based on the authenticity of our repentance and conversion. One's past righteousness cannot justify current sins, and likewise, one's past wickedness does not prevent the grace of redemption upon true conversion.

Jesus’ Parable of the two sons:

Matthew’s Gospel narrative vividly presents two sons with contrasting reactions. The first son, initially resistant, eventually does his father's will. The second, although initially obedient in speech, fails to follow through in action. This draws our attention to the significance of authentic witnessing. As Christians, mere verbal proclamation of faith is not enough. Our faith in Jesus, who is the way, truth, and life, must be visible in our actions.

The call for authentic transformation and repentance: For those of us called to witness to Jesus, this reflection serves as a reminder that genuine faith is transformative. It's not about merely saying the right things but about embodying the message of Christ in our lives. It's about a continuous journey of turning back to God, especially when we falter, and allowing God's grace to change us from the inside out.

The tax collectors and prostitutes mentioned by Jesus exemplify this. Their lives, once far from God, were transformed by genuine repentance and belief in the message of John the Baptist, and later, in Jesus Himself. They embody authentic conversion and are an example for all of us. As Pope Francis once said : “God is never tired of forgiving us,  but we sometimes are tired of asking God’s forgiveness. He is a loving Father who always forgives.” (Message from the 1^st Angelus of Pope Francis on 17 march, 2013).  

Embracing authenticity in our Christian Journey: In our journey as witnesses for Christ, let's seek authenticity over superficiality. Our mission on earth is primarily to work for the advent of the Kingdom of God. St Paul insists that “the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

Let us be Christians who, when they say ‘yes’ to God, truly mean it and showcase it in their lives. Our Blessed Mother Mary remain a model of ‘yes’ to divine will in our lives. This is the most powerful testament to the truth and transformative power of Jesus Christ. We cannot do this with our human strenght; but with  divine grace  in our lives, our 'yes' to God's will will be always and everywhere. 

 

A Prayer for Authentic Conversion

Heavenly Father, source of all truth and justice,

Guide our hearts to seek genuine transformation,

May we not merely utter words of faith, but live them.

Help us, O Lord, to recognize our own missteps,

And grant us the grace to turn back to You with sincere repentance.

 

May we embody the lessons of the repentant tax collectors and prostitutes,

Finding redemption and grace in our moments of weakness.

Strengthen us to be true witnesses of Christ’s love,

Not just in our words, but in every deed and every choice.

We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our guiding light and Savior,

Amen.