Today’s Readings:
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Psalm 98:1-4
Matthew 5:38-42
Some things sound foolish the first time you hear them. Like when Jesus proposes the path of least resistance in our relationship with others:
Offer the wicked man no resistance.
If anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well.
If a person make takes you to court and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
If anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him.
Give anyone who asks and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.
Our instinct will shrug from these injunctions for fear of being physically battered and ending up poor. But what is Jesus teaching us? He wants us to make sacrifices with the right intentions in mind. Our intention for doing good is so that we establish a new order in the world and give others a reason to turn their gaze to heaven. If we resist the violent, we make them bolder and fiercer. If we are generous, we give others the permission to also be generous. If we are peaceful, we disarm the violent. If we share our resources and gifts, we open up God’s bountiful blessings on ourselves and others. By so doing, we grow in our trust of divine providence. The world needs more peacemakers and generous people; you and I ought to be at the forefront of this campaign.
Becoming a front-liner for righteousness is not foolish. Foolishness is when you try to please yourself by trying to please others:
When you try to hoard material things without thinking of the poor.
When you hold on to the wrong others have done to you and refuse to forgive.
When you trust your heart to a fool who is only interest in your body.
When you invest more in your body image than your spiritual image.
When you celebrate pride month instead of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
When you think that freedom is to do as you please instead of doing what is right.
When you worry more about what people say about you than what God thinks of you.
But God has set you free from such foolishness through Baptism. Scripture says:
1 Peter 1:18-19 “You were ransomed from the foolish ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” Proverbs 1:5 describes a wise person as one who, “Hears and increases in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel”. The way to acquire wise counsel is by studying God’s word. Today’s Acclamation is from Psalm 119:105 and it says: “Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path.”
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
May the light of the Holy Spirit make you truly wise beyond your years, in Jesus name.
May God give you discernment to seek the things that endure, in Jesus name.
May God hide your wisdom from the eyes of the world and secure your path for eternity, in Jesus name.
May the Holy Spirit intercede for you today and obtain great favours for you now and always, in Jesus name.
May there be peace and stability in our nation Nigeria, in Jesus name. Amen.
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