Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Ps. 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12, Matthew 5:33-37
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
St. Paul tells us today that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. This means that if I say I am a Christian, there should be something unique about me, something that makes me different, something that stands out completely.
What precisely differentiates a Christian from one who is not? St. Paul says: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself… And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8).
Now, let us consider the issue of telling lies. Jesus teaches us this morning: “Let what you say simply be ‘yes’ or ‘no’; anything more than this comes from the Evil one.” In other words, if I am truly in Christ, I shouldn’t be telling lies, and if I am so used to saying the truth always, there would be no need for me to try to swear.
Indeed, to be a Christian is to have Christ living in you. It is the presence of Christ within a person that makes them a new creation. When Christ is in you, your approach to life, your behaviour, thoughts, likes, desires, indeed, everything about you should reflect Christ. There should be nothing in you that is contrary to Christ.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse our hearts and change us entirely from the inside out. 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. (Saturday of week 10 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Ps. 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12, Matthew 5:33-37).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu