Friday, 13 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 48:17-19, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Matthew 11:16-19
“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had hearkened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river.” (Isaiah 48:17-18)
- There is a saying that you always have an excuse for not doing what you never wanted to do in the first place. Think of it this way: If you want to do something, you won’t find any justifiable excuse for not doing it. If you catch yourself piling up excuses, it is because that particular activity is unimportant to you or you do not believe there is anything to gain from it.
- One common excuse for not keeping God's commandments is that they are too difficult. Let us honestly ask ourselves: Is there anything easy in this life? Why do we want the easy way out when it comes to the things of God? Consider the hours, months, and even years of painstaking sacrifice we put in to acquire certain basic life skills such as walking, speaking, driving, cooking, etc. How come we never gave up?
- In today’s first reading, God addresses the nation of Israel: “If only you had paid attention to my commandments, your prosperity would have been like a river?” Do I sincerely believe there are benefits to gain from keeping God’s commandments? If yes, why do I keep disobeying these commandments?
- Why do I have many excuses for God when He has provided a shortcut for me to achieve all my desires? Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33). Do you believe that seeking God’s kingdom is profitable? Do you believe obedience to God brings peace like a river?
- God’s commandments (righteous living) were never intended to punish us. These commandments are for our happiness and prosperity. To think that there is something to gain from going against God’s instruction is to believe the devil’s lies. What did Adam and Eve gain from their disobedience?
- Many have argued that the story of Adam and Eve is fictional without realising that this story continues today. The devil is a liar who never stops his deceptive tricks. Every sin represents our decision to eat the fruit like Eve, and every scandal we cause represents our decision to give it to others. Every time we do something bad just because others are doing it represents our decision to behave like Adam. Adam saw that Eve was still alive after eating the fruit, so he ate. Why must you do evil? Is it because you see evil people succeeding? Think twice. There is nothing to gain from evil.
- Our world continues to suffer the consequences of individual and collective sinfulness. Today, the devil tries to make us believe God’s commandments are archaic, oppressive or impossible to follow. Don’t believe these lies. It is always for your good to keep God’s commandments. Societal values may have changed, but God’s words can never change. A sin remains a sin regardless of how society paints it. The peace and happiness you seek can only come by obeying God. The devil has nothing good to offer.
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus compares his audience to the children in a marketplace. We are not too different from the people Jesus was referring to. We do not exactly know what we want. John the Baptist came, neither eating nor drinking, and he was heavily criticised. Jesus freely ate and drank, yet he wasn’t spared their harsh criticism.
- Avoid following the crowd. It is not about what people think. Do what is right. Seek to please God. As for human praise or admiration, forget it. People must talk; you can never do anything to satisfy them. Trust God, and obey His commandments. This is the only recipe for happiness.
- Today, we remember St. Lucy, also known as “Lucia of Syracuse.” She lived in the early fourth century and was martyred during the persecution of Christians. Although much of her life remains shrouded in legend, her courage and faith have made her a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. Lucy's veneration spread quickly, and by the sixth century, she was recognised throughout the Church for her bravery. One enduring legend tells of a young Christian woman who vowed to dedicate her life to Christ. Her mother, hoping to arrange a marriage for her with a pagan, could not be swayed by Lucy’s vow. Lucy prayed at the tomb of St. Agatha, who appeared to her in a dream and promised that her mother’s illness would be cured through faith. This miracle convinced her mother to allow Lucy to donate her dowry to the poor and commit her life to God.
- However, the spurned suitor betrayed Lucy to the governor, Paschasius. Attempts to force Lucy into defilement failed as she became immovable even when hitched to oxen. Unable to burn her, the guards eventually resorted to executing her by the sword. Despite the uncertain details of her life, Lucy's story reflects the hardships Christians faced under Diocletian's reign. Legends about her include a miraculous restoration of her eyes, which were either gouged out by the governor or removed by Lucy herself to deter a suitor. Her remains, initially kept in Sicily, were transferred multiple times and now lie in several locations across Europe. Lucy, whose name means ‘light’ or ‘lucid,’ is the patron saint of the blind. She is often depicted holding a plate with her eyes and a palm branch, symbolising victory over evil.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our trust in keeping your commandments. 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 Lucy, Virgin, Martyr Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Isaiah 48:17-19, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Matthew 11:16-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
No comments:
Post a Comment