Readings: Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 13:10-17
“… all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.” (Luke 13:17)
Today, St. Paul reveals the essence of letting our light shine as Children of God. 1. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another. 2. Forgive one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. 3. Be imitators of God, as beloved children. 4. Shun fornication and impurity of any kind, such as obscene, silly, and vulgar talk. 5. Live a life of thanksgiving; be grateful always.
The key to walking as a child of light is first realising who you are. You are not just anybody. The fact that you are reading or listening to this message right now already marks you out from the rest of the world. You are special; you are a child of Abraham. Satan has no right to hold you in captivity or in the bondage of sin.
In the Gospel passage, Jesus was in a synagogue, and a woman was there who was completely bent over. She had been under this bondage for eighteen years. As soon as Jesus saw her, He reached out, laid His hands on her, and cured her. Jesus cured this woman, not minding that it was the Sabbath, because, according to Jesus, she was a daughter of Abraham and did not deserve such a condition.
This woman was in this condition for so many years, even though she was always going to the Synagogue. Some of us have been Christians for more than 18 years, yet we are still bent over spiritually. Darkness (sin and evil) still rules in our lives. It is not about how often we attend Church; it is about whether we worship God in spirit and in truth. Let us pray today for Divine healing from whatever is preventing us from standing upright before God.
For eighteen years, the Pharisees watched the woman come in and out of the temple, and not once did they feel any concern for her. Even when Jesus cured her, instead of rejoicing and thanking God for her, they took offence at Jesus and were plotting how to kill Jesus. As a church leader, have I become a Pharisee of sorts? Am I sincerely interested in the welfare of my flock, or am I only concerned with what I can gain from them?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith, hope, and charity, and help us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. 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. (Monday of week 30 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 13:10-17)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu