Readings: Philemon 7-20, Ps. 146:7-10, Luke 17:20-25
“The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
This song, which we often sang as little children, made a great impression on me: “The time to be happy is now! The place to be happy is here! The way to be happy is to make someone happy! And we’ll have a little heaven down here!” If we are committed to spreading love and happiness to everyone around us, we will create God’s kingdom on earth.
We can achieve heaven on earth when we go out of our way to bring smiles to everyone around us. We can make God’s kingdom happen when we show care and concern for the welfare of everyone we meet. Someone once said the only difference between heaven and hell is the absence of love. When we hate one another, are self-centred, or desire the death and destruction of one another, we are living in hell.
In today’s first reading, we hear St. Paul appealing to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him again, not as a slave but as a brother. “Formerly, he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me… welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” (Philemon 1:11-18).
This is heaven: loving our neighbours as ourselves, forgiving one another without counting the cost, seeing the face of Jesus in the people who have offended you like Onesimus, welcoming the earth’s rejected, the sick, the imprisoned, and the orphans, giving to these little ones as much as a cup of water without expecting anything in return. The joy we feel when we help others sincerely is a foretaste of the joy of heaven.
Jesus warns us against following false prophets, that is, going after persons who claim this or that. The world will surely end, but that is not our business; it will happen like lightning. Our only concern should be expanding God’s kingdom on earth, showing kindness, spreading happiness, and forgiving one another.
St. Josaphat of Polotsk was a dedicated Eastern Rite bishop and martyr who worked tirelessly for unity within the Church. Born between 1580 and 1584, he grew up during a time when the 1054 split between the Eastern and Western Churches had caused significant cultural, political, and theological divisions. Despite facing strong resistance and even violence from those opposed to reunion, Josaphat remained committed to peace.
In 1617, Josaphat became bishop of Vitebsk and later Polotsk, where he found the church in decline. He organised synods, published a catechism, and enforced strict rules for clergy behaviour. Through his preaching, teaching, and help for those in need, he began to restore the church. However, Orthodox separatists opposed his work, leading to public unrest.
Josaphat’s commitment to peace led him to return to Vitebsk in October 1623, despite the dangers. On 12 November 1623, Josaphat was brutally beaten, axed, shot, and ultimately thrown into a river. His martyrdom had a significant impact. Even his rival later reconciled with Rome. In recognition of his unwavering dedication, the Church canonised St. Josaphat in 1867.
Let us pray: Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord, the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat as he laid down his life for the sheep, so that through his intercession we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit and not be afraid to lay down our life for others. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Josaphat, Bishop, Martyr. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Philemon 7-20, Ps. 146:7-10, Luke 17:20-25)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu