Readings: 1 Cor. 4:1-5, Ps. 37:3-6,27-28,39-40, Luke 5:33-39
“Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the heart. Then, each one will receive commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)
It’s a part of our human nature to categorise people as good or bad. Our judgments are often based on what we see, what we think we know about them, or even who we are. St. Paul’s teaching today reminds us not to rush into judgment, as only God can truly “bring to light the things now hidden in darkness…” These words from St. Paul were a response to the division in the Corinthian Church, where some were for Apollos and others for him.
To those who were on Paul’s side, he said, “Who are you to declare me a saint?” and to those who were against Paul, he said, “Even though I am not aware of anything against myself (my conscience is clean), I am not thereby acquitted.” Paul’s overall intention here was to break division, to make the people refrain from taking sides, and to make them realise that both Paul and Apollos are imperfect yet powerful instruments in the hands of God.
Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians is a powerful reminder of how best to react to similar situations. In everything Paul said, he made no negative statement about Apollos, whom the people had made his rival. This is a lesson in itself. It’s the devil’s delight to see church leaders quarrel and fight over what they say. So, when people bring gossip, remember to avoid taking sides. They may be setting the stage for you to fight with your brother.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus and his disciples become victims of premature judgment. The Scribes and Pharisees habitually displayed public piety to win people’s admiration, while their hearts were far from God. Jesus wanted true inner piety, which required going into your room, shutting the door to pray and not letting people know you were fasting. (Cf. Matthew 6:6 - Your Father, who sees everything done in secret, will reward you in secret).
Without trying to find out if Jesus’ disciples were fasting secretly, they murmured against his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Luke 5:30). There is danger in passing judgment before the time (before all the facts are exposed). Remember the warning of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment, you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
Let us pray: God of might, giver of every good gift, put into our hearts the love of your name, so that, by deepening our sense of reverence, you may nurture in us what is good and, by your watchful care, keep safe what you have nurtured. 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. (Friday of Week 22 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Cor. 4:1-5, Ps. 37:3-6,27-28,39-40, Luke 5:33-39)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu