MONDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Rv 14: 1-5 Ps 24: 1-6 Lk 21: 1-4
AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIFE
We live in a world of advertisements, fads and fashion, where everything is manifested by its external design and where authenticity stands the test of time. However, Human life, in its authenticity cannot survive for long, through some outward display of actions, rather only through something deep, genuine and lasting. The quest for an authentic spiritual life calls us to go beyond the shallow spiritual practices and delve deep into the heart of what is true living of our faith. First and foremost, authenticity of our faith begins with honest assessments of our belief systems, motivations and how we practice our faith on a daily basis. Secondly, it calls us to engage ourselves with the deeper questions of life, such as, our capacity to commit ourself to live out the truths that we profess. And finally, it calls upon our inner conviction to abandon ourself in total self-giving to God whom we worship and who loves us unconditionally.
The first reading today speaks about the reward given to the people of such total authenticity. The book of Revelation speaks about such men and women in heaven around the throne of God who once served God through their life on earth and now sing the canticles to God before the throne. The book mentions two things: They are the ones purchased from among men the first fruits to God, redeemed by the blood of the lamb, Jesus; and second, in their mouth there was found no lie; for they are without blemish before the throne of God, they responded authentically to the call of the Lamb in love and service.
The Gospel narrates the case of a poor widow, who had nothing to offer to God but in her utter poverty, gives all she had. She was a woman of faith and she knew God was her providential Father. Authentic faith demands such self-donation of ourselves in the hands of our God in total authenticity knowing and believing that we are safe in His arms. Can my faith go deep into that level of my total authenticity and total self-giving?
Response: These are the people who seek your face, O Lord.
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