Monday 5th September 2022. Read 1 Cor. 6:1-11, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Luke 6:12-19
“When one of you has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?” (1 Corinthians 6:1)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus never said: “you are blessed when no one treats you unjustly or insults you.” He said: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11). Jesus added: “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Mathew 5:39). By asking us to turn the other cheek, Jesus was recommending what He was about to do during his passion. When he was reviled, insulted, spat upon, and mocked, Jesus, did not retaliate. When He stood before Herod, Jesus did not utter a word.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells the Corinthian church that as Christians, it is already a defeat on their part if they bring lawsuits before unbelievers. What could be more shameful than having an unbeliever settle a quarrel between two Christians? In other words, why should we fight ourselves? Isn’t it better to forgive than to become the object of laughter amongst unbelievers?
Nowadays, it is common to see Christians bring their issues to social media. When you bring your marital problems, family misunderstandings, work-related issues, etc. to social media, you are not likely to get solutions. In fact, a lot of people would make a mockery of the situation, blame you (the victim), or assume you are merely looking for popularity. It is better for us to suffer injustice than to suffer the disrespect of people who admire us for being Christians. If the unbeliever doesn’t see any difference in your character, why would he or she be motivated to embrace Christ?
If you must seek redress, then go before the Saints; that is, take your issues before your fellow Christians. Jesus even said this: “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17).
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus spent all night in prayer (without loudspeakers, of course) before choosing his closest allies; the twelve disciples. Jesus did not ask anyone to submit his C.V. When recruiting employees, business partners, or close friends, do I pray over them? Do I pray before taking any major decision in life?
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, bring me to a deeper awareness of what it means to be a Christian. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Cor. 6:1-11, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Luke 6:12-19).
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu
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