Readings: 1 Timothy 3:14-16, Ps. 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, Luke 7:31-35
“We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.” (Luke 7:32)
No matter how good you are, you will always have enemies; there will always be people to criticise you, insult you and denigrate your name. One musician said, “If no one is talking about you (negatively), then you don’t exist.” Jesus says in today’s Gospel passage: “To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? … For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine; and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ (Luke 7:31-34).
Are you worried about what people are saying about you? Begin by assuming that what they are saying is true. Examine your conscience and repent from any vice or evil you are accused of. Take steps to become a better person. Please take it as an opportunity to notice the log in your eye. We can never know some truths about ourselves unless others tell us.
Don’t take every criticism as an insult. If hearing negative comments about you pains you that much, then such comments are true. In 1888, Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, woke up to read his obituary announcement in the newspaper. His brother died, and the reporter made a mistake. Today, the world remembers him as the founder of the Nobel Peace Prize.
On the other hand, if you are innocent of what is being said about you, it will not bother you. In this case, surrender everything to God in prayer and relax your mind. When Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of rape, he had no one to defend him. Years later, Joseph understood why he needed to suffer such an experience. Try as much as you can not to develop hateful feelings for those who speak badly about you. Once you harbour hatred, you become the same as your enemy, surrendering your peace.
Strive to please God. Be a good person; forget about trying to please human beings (avoid hypocrisy). Just as God fought for Joseph and many others like him, God will fight for you. Those who try to kill you by giving you a bad name will start speaking in your favour. Jesus’ critics called him a glutton and a friend of tax collectors. In response, Jesus said, “Wisdom is justified by her children.” Actions speak louder than words.
A footballer once wrote on his Twitter handle: “Those who know do not criticise, and those who criticise do not know.” Do not be too quick to criticise others or to believe the negative tales you hear. And if you hear something unpleasant about someone, reach out to them. Be a mentor and a guide to them as St. Paul was to Timothy. (Cf. 1 Timothy 3:14-15). It is better to help others become their best than to go about destroying their reputation.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us strive to please you and not the people around us. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 24 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Timothy 3:14-16, Ps. 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, Luke 7:31-35)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu