Monday 13th July 2020
15th week in ordinary time year
II
Isaiah 1:10-17, Matthew
10:34-11:1
HAVING HEAVENLY PEACE
As Christians, we are called to
promote peace and tranquility wherever we find ourselves. We are called to live
peacefully with one another and seek the good of one another. Quarrel and
rancor are not expected to be heard among us.
It could be very surprising to
hear Jesus in the gospel reading of today, saying that he has not come to bring
peace to the world but sword. Looking at the life of Jesus in general, to those
who listened to him preach and work miracles, he was a good man. On the other
hand, to the chief priest and elders of the people, he was an evil man that
needed to be destroyed. Some even called him names like beezebul and some
threatened to kill him. During his time, some people became Christians and
started living good lives, but others who were not Christians, or did not take
their faith serious tried to destroy them. All these hatred against him were
because of his call for repentance and preaching of truth. Let us not forget
that his death was out of the jealousy of the elders of the people.
This is the same message Jesus
communicates to us in the gospel reading of today. It is important that we live
in peace and tranquility with our brothers and sisters as well as our
neighbours; nevertheless, truth and good Christian living must not be
sacrificed for it. When you are doing what is right and worthwhile as the
Christian faith demands, you will have a lot of enemies, opposition and
criticism, wars and rancor. It could be among your friends, family, relatives,
acquaintances, colleagues at work, or members of your community. Jesus said
that a man's enemy because of his good Christian living, will be those of his
household and those close to him.
Do not be discouraged therefore
is you are persecuted by those around you because of your good life. Jesus
suffered much much. If they have called him beelzebul, what names will they not
call you? Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. May the Lord give us the grace to
overcome turbulent situations that may come our way in the practice of our
faith. God help us. Amen.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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