FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales
Heb 8: 6-13 Ps 85: 8, 10-14 Mk 3: 13-19
REJOICING IN ETERNAL GIFTS
The world teaches us values that are power-centric. There is a constant hankering for power of some kind or the other, either for personal advancement or for the subjugation of the other. We see this clearly in the political arena, but sadly even in the church and in families. Today’s gospel, however, teaches us something different. We have Jesus calling many, and all of them listened to the voice of the Good Shepherd and followed him into the hills. Each of them, like good, faithful sheep, endured the hardship of the climb out of love for Jesus. If power were a value in itself, Jesus would have definitely given it to all, but we see him giving it only to a few.
True happiness lies not in power, not in the gifts or talents we possess, nor even in our virtues, but in understanding and humbly accepting who we are. “Do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:20). Jesus is not telling us not to rejoice over our power over the ‘devils’ or any earthly achievement. But these are transitory and passing, even though they are gifts from God. They can only give us momentary joy. A better and lasting reason to rejoice is rather the certainty that we are loved by God and belong to Him. “Little flock, it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you this kingdom” (Lk 12:32). Today we may be successful; tomorrow, perhaps not.
Today praised, tomorrow criticized. We can apply the same principle to our spiritual life too. Some days we may be able to overcome every trial and temptation, and on other days feel utterly crushed by them. Our heavenly destination, however, is unchanging, eternal, and certain. This is a gift that is not passing; “neither moth nor rust consumes, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt 6:20). May we always set our minds “on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:2).
Response: Merciful love and faithfulness have met.
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