Readings: Genesis 46:1-7,28-30, Ps. 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40, Matthew 10:16-23
“Behold, I send you out as sheep amid wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
In today’s first reading, Jacob (now Israel) finally moved to Egypt, along with his entire household and all that he possessed. Even though Joseph sent some chariots from Egypt to fetch him, Jacob waited to hear from God before agreeing to move. This teaches us the importance of prayer before making decisions. Prayer is not one-way traffic; it is always a dialogue.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus presents the challenges involved in evangelisation. Preaching light to a world that prefers darkness (a world that rejected Jesus) can be likened to sheep moving amid wolves. There has never been a time when the world loved Christians. Jesus noted: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, I chose you out of the world. Therefore, the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
Given the hatred towards us, how are we supposed to survive? How do you live with people who want you to either join them in their evils or be executed? Jesus recommends two principles: 1) Be wise like a snake. 2) Be as innocent as a dove.
Wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The word of God, in several passages, tells us that wisdom begins with the fear of God. (Psalm 11:10, Proverbs 1:7,9:10,15:33, Sirach 1:12,16,18&27, 19:20, 21:11). A Christian who does not fear God (who has no regard for God’s commandments) acts foolishly. You cannot survive in a world of enemies without the fear of God (wisdom). You cannot preach or convert souls when you live a life of pretence.
Many people will do malicious things to you, yet as a Christian, you cannot repay them with evil. This is what it means to be as innocent as a dove. No matter the level of provocation, do not soil your hands with mud, that is, do not get involved in evil. As the saying goes, “If your enemies succeed in making you hate them, they have completely defeated you.” Play by the rules even when the game becomes “dirty.”
On the other hand, being innocent as a dove is “purity of heart.” Do not wish the death of your enemies. Do not harbour hatred in your mind; this way, you do not give the devil a chance to fill your mind with unwholesome thoughts against others. The secret is that whatever you wish for others (whether good or bad) comes to you.
Again, to be innocent as a dove, do not harbour immoral thoughts in your heart. How do you intend to spread light to a world of darkness if you are feasting on immoral entertainment? The more you excuse immorality, the less disdain you feel towards it and the more likely you are to support and encourage it. This explains why many Christians do not feel uncomfortable with pornography, pre-marital or extra-marital sex, immodest dressing, vulgar language, and so on. We have become part of the darkness we were supposed to fight.
Today, we celebrate St. Benedict of Nursia. Born around 480 AD alongside his twin sister Scholastica, he was raised in a noble Roman family in Norcia. Unhappy with the extravagant lifestyle of his Roman friends, he renounced his wealth and education to lead a life of holiness, eventually becoming a hermit in Subiaco. His deep commitment to faith was so strong that when some monks, wanting easier leadership, tried to poison him, the drink shattered miraculously as he blessed it.
His most incredible legacy is the founding of the Monte Cassino monastery, which became a foundational centre for Western monasticism. One of the remarkable miracles attributed to him involved a jar of oil that refilled on its own after his prayers, symbolising God’s overflowing grace in response to true faith. St. Benedict passed away on March 21, 543, and is revered as the patron saint of Europe and students. His feast day is celebrated each year on July 11.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us courage, wisdom and the grace to live holy and innocent lives. 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. (Saint Benedict, Abbot. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Genesis 46:1-7,28-30, Ps. 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40, Matthew 10:16-23).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu