TUESDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint Jerome
Zec 8: 20-23 Ps 87: 1-7 Lk 9: 51-56
LIVING EVERYDAY IN GRACE
In the first reading, the prophet tells us that the Holy One dwells in the midst of the people for Gentiles would say, “…we have heard that God is with you!” In the New Testament, we see the Church’s growth overtime, by its witness to Christ. It is Christ who attracts people. When people see, experience and witness love, humility, gentleness, generosity of the Church’s members, prophet Zechariah’s words affirm that they will desire “to go with you!” “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). Zechariah thus, speaks of the universal mission entrusted to us by God. In my interactions with others, I am invited to manifest the Christ who dwells in me! Do I?
In Psalm 87:1-7 the psalmist expresses his joy in the presence of YHWH at Jerusalem. St Paul in Eph 2:13 says that “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Today, because of what Christ has done for us, we experience His presence in our lives. Am I aware of Christ’s presence with me, during the day?
The day’s gospel presents the episode of Jesus rebuking James and John. They wanted to bring down fire from heaven on those who did not accept Jesus. Probably, the two apostles felt that this was not the way Jesus should have been treated. Insulting people, slamming the door on others’ face is not a value that the Gospel teaches us. Even today, when we shut the door on others, we shut the door on Christ who created each one of us in his own image and likeness. The Lord teaches us how to deal with the situation in a Christian Spirit. We are challenged to nurture a spirit of humility and gentleness. The Lord invites us to be His witnesses and to build bridges in love. The Commission on Spirituality: Spirituality for Synodality affirms that “the great gifts of faith, hope and love are lived for Christ in our relationships with each other and especially our neighbour, especially the neighbour who is in need.”
Response: God is with us.
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