Readings: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Ps. 98:1-4, Matthew 5:38-42
“We are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:9-10)
The Christian life can sometimes be a battle. St. Paul makes an allusion to this in today’s First Reading. Writing to the Ephesians, St. Paul stated, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers” (Ephesians 6:12). This means that some misfortunes may be physical manifestations of spiritual battles.
However, this should not dampen our spirit because even while wrestling spiritually, we have the upper hand. St. John says: “Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). Hence, St. Paul says, “We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see we are alive... (2 Corinthians 6:8)
We are at war with the world because we do not belong to it. The world cannot overcome us because Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, has already overcome the world. No matter how they try to frustrate us, Jesus wants us to smile as victors rather than carry long faces like hopeless victims. “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
In our Gospel passage, Jesus admonishes us not to engage in physical battles: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also….” (Matthew 5:38-39).
Jesus is not asking us to allow people to override us; He wants us to fight in the right place. The real enemy is not the one who struck you on one cheek but the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10). Love your neighbour as yourself, but fight on your knees. Fight with an active prayer life. Fight with praises like Paul and Silas, who sang even in prison.
When he wants to get into our skin, one of the devil’s strategies is to take away the material things around us that we cherish. Do not lose your calm when bad things happen; remember that you are more than a conqueror. Do not think that God has abandoned you by letting such terrible incidents occur in your life. Don’t be discouraged. Enter your prayer room, wipe away the dust from your Bible, and spend time in God’s presence.
Fight the devil by dropping your vices, bad habits, or sinful deeds that have made you forget God. Stop wasting time harbouring hatred for people. Be like the eagle; it would never fight a battle on the ground. Instead, it will take its prey to a high altitude to weaken and overpower it.
Do you want to overcome life’s challenges with victory? Put on the whole armour of Christ. Gird your loins with truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet with the Gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times. Keep alert with perseverance, making supplication for all. (Ephesians 6:14-18)
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, we beg you to teach us to recognise our real enemies and give us the grace to remain victorious regardless of challenges. 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. (Monday of week 11 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Ps. 98:1-4, Matthew 5:38-42).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu