ArticlesFr. Kibira
Don’t edge him out!
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
Jeremiah 1, 4-5.17-19; 1 Cor 12, 31-13,13; Lk 4,21-30
What happens to Jesus in His home village is what happens to every true prophet. Over-familiarization with the person of Jesus closes and forces His own people into indifference. They know Him too much to expect anything new from Him. Of course, His is a real prophetic message which enrages everyone. He cites examples from foreigners who were ready to give God a place in their lives and thus challenges the Jews in their indifference. In Ps. 95, the psalmist speaks out an invitation: “Oh that today you would listen to His voice; harden not your heart…!“ Don’t edge Him out of your life, for He is bringing you freedom out of your misery! If you only knew what would bring you peace! (Lk 19: 42)
Can I use your boat?
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
Isaiah 6,1-2a.3-8; 1 Cor 15,1-11; Lk 5,1-11
The word of God today presents to us three men whom God chose as instruments: Isaiah, Paul and Peter. It is interesting to note that all of them felt unworthy for the task that God was calling them to. At the beginning, there is an acknowledgement of unworthiness and sinfulness. They were not to rely on their human resources but on God’s grace. Peter’s response to Jesus deserves a deeper contemplation: “Go away from me, for I am a sinful man!” Jesus seems not to take this seriously and in fact He is saying: “In your boat, Peter, I am at the right address, for I have come for the sinners!” Jesus is calling each one of us to participate in His work of liberating others from the powers of evil. Do you feel inadequate for this call? Just believe in the grace of God which is going to transform you into Jesus’ authentic collaborator!
Blessed are the Poor
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
Jeremiah 17, 5-8; 1 Cor 15, 12.16-20; Lk 6, 17.20-26
How is it possible to be poor and happy at the same time? In our time, many will measure happiness by the quantity of money and the material things they possess. The danger in this attitude is that with time, those who possess end up being possessed by the material things. Worse still is that those who put their trust in riches and leave no place for God in their lives are the poorest. We do well when we try by all means to eradicate poverty but we are better positioned if we strive to avoid the tendency of putting our trust in self, money, possessions, power and popularity. Try to resist the temptation of managing your life without God and when your riches increase and perhaps are able to help the poor, don’t play god in their lives. Being poor means trusting God and being aware of one’s weakness and thus, counting on God’s help.
The true Christian identity is love of all
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
1 Sam 26, 7-9.12-13.22-23; 1 Cor 15,45-49; Lk 6,27-38
People always try to imitate the kind of God they worship. The characteristic mark of Christians is compassionate love as an imitation of God. Jesus presents to us the ideal of love by inviting us his followers to love our enemies. This is completely contrary to what all human beings are capable of: revenge and retaliation. To love one’s enemy is a Christian stamp. In order to love this way, we all need God or else we fall into the trap of loving so that we may be loved in return.
This would make our love conditional. God’s love of sinners transforms them into friends. If we want to live our true Christian identity, we can’t rely on our human efforts and strength. We need divine grace and God’s own sentiments and tastes. We can love our enemies when we insist on believing that even “the enemy” still has something good. Put this into practice by not clinging to grudges and resentments but let God increase our love-potential!
