SATURDAY, TWENTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Col 1: 21-23; Ps 54: 3-4, 6, 8; Lk 6: 1-5
DOING GOOD TO OTHERS
In our parish or community, we always find a person who will criticize the actions and decisions of others, especially the people who dedicate their time and work tirelessly in service to the Church. The Sabbath was a special day for the people of Israel. They celebrated God’s love by observing it as a day of rest and so they would not do any kind of work. In the Gospel, we find the Pharisees, waiting to catch Jesus doing something against their man-made laws, so that they could criticize Him. But Jesus was never disheartened by their wrongdoings. He forgave them and continued doing the good work that He was sent to do, in order to fulfil his mission on Earth. Just like the Pharisees, we too at times are ready to scrutinize the actions of others while forgetting the true message of Jesus and the true essence of being Christians.
God’s law is the law of freedom for our lawgiver himself is merciful and compassionate. In Saint Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he explains that Jesus and God is eternal and that all thing were created by Him, through Him and for Him. He also speaks about Jesus’ absolute supremacy and states that it was His sacrifice that saved mankind. The Father sent His only Son to die on the cross so that we sinners may reconcile with God. Our hearts should always be thankful to God for all that He has done for us through Jesus.
Just as God wanted the Israelites, He wants us also to focus on His love and forgiveness. If we show compassion and mercy to others, we can be sure that we too will be shown compassion and mercy. And if we are critical and judgmental of others, we must be ready to receive the same treatment. We should continually be grateful to our God, our creator and our Saviour and ask for His grace to live our lives according to His will and to serve Him wholeheartedly without expecting any favours in return.
Response: See, I have God for my help.
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