Do Not Love the World; It Is Passing Away

Wednesday, 11 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Ps. 45:11-12,14-17, Luke 6:20-26

“Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:22-23)

Today’s Gospel passage is Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Unlike Matthew’s, Luke presents blessings and curses (woes). However, one point of agreement between Luke and Matthew is that those who embrace suffering because of Jesus are Blessed.

- To be a Christian is to carry your cross; it is taking the narrow path, living in the world yet not being of the world. In today’s First Reading, St. Paul writes: “Let those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:30-31).

- Since the world is passing away, no amount of the world’s goods can satisfy us. The more we acquire, the emptier we feel inside. As St. Augustine explains it, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

- Luke’s Beatitudes contains three curses: “Woe to you that are rich… woe to you that are full now… woe to you when all men speak well of you.” We all desire these things, but if we bow to the devil to acquire them, they become curses.

- Concerning these three curses, St. John writes: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh (pleasure), the lust of the eyes (riches) and the pride of life (power) is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away.” (1 John 2:15-17).

- When detached from worldly riches, we will realise that suffering taunts, hatred, exclusion, ridicule and injustice is a blessing for Christ’s sake. It is a blessing to be attacked for doing good. You should be worried if you are not suffering anything for being a Christian. As the saying goes: “If the devil is not fighting you, it is probably because you are not a threat to him.”

- In other words, consider your trials as trophies. Do not give up on God. Like a farmer who waits patiently till the day of harvest, do not give up on your goodness. Continue shining your light. Treat your body as God’s temple. Be pure in heart. If unmarried, remain chaste; be faithful to your spouse if married. Rejoice and be glad when you are persecuted for upholding these moral values. Your reward is great in heaven.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen my love for heaven. 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. (Wednesday of Week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Ps. 45:11-12,14-17, Luke 6:20-26).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu