THURSDAY, THIRTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr
Phlm 7-20; Ps 146: 7-10; Lk 17: 20-25
TRUE CHRISTIAN WAY IN SIMPLE LIFE TACTS
AND NOT IN MEGA SHOWS
Sensationalism makes impact, and everyone is easily carried along by the crowd. The ads are so attractive we fall to them easily and our reasoning and freedom are mortgaged. It is because we are frightened of every pain and want to get rid of it as easily as possible, without change of life attitudes.
Today’s readings show us another way for true and happy life as disciples of Jesus. In the Gospel today Jesus himself admonishes us not to rush to magical and superstitious markets of religion where preachers compete to attract crowds by using aggressive marketing skills. We are easily misled by bigger crowds. Jesus declares very clearly that there are no magic solutions for entering the newness brought by Jesus except by a willing modification of our lifestyle. That is the only way we realize the inner freedom from greed for possessions, ambitions for immediate success and slavery to passions; and experience the joy of being God’s free children. It’s the new mindset new value system; we receive in our vicinity to the crucified Christ. That’s the meaning when Jesus says the kingdom of God is right in your midst.
Paul in his beautiful letter to Philemon, a well to do Christian, speaks about Onesimus, also a fellow Christian; He was a bonded labour, who stealthily walked out and came to Paul. Now Paul writes a letter to Philemon with utmost tact and fine blend of human and Christian values to change his attitude towards Onesimus and grant him liberty. Paul succeeds.
This is the effect of our true belongingness to Jesus. Gospel values give us a new mindset to regard all as my brothers and sisters irrespective of their social or economic conditions. We Christians have to manifest the presence of Jesus by radiating Gospel values around us. That is our mission in our families and in our workplaces. May we be rooted in Jesus, follow him closely on the path of Gospel values and be his true instruments of peace and reconciliation in our society.
Response: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
Copyright ©2026 ©Springs of Living Water https://springs.carmelmedia.in