September 04, 2020 (Friday of Week 22 Year II)
The Lord is my judge
Dear friends in Christ, there are times when we get judged by others and often wrongly, because it is difficult to truly know what goes on in the heart of anyone. The only true judge of our actions is God who sees beyond the physical.
In our first reading today (1Corinthians 4:1-5) Paul responds to his accusers, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found worthy.” This introduction is a sign that the accusation, is about his stewardship. But Paul says that, he has nothing to fear as his conscience is clear about how he had conducted himself—‘A clear conscience fears no accusations.’ He says, “I do not judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself; but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.” This is one thing that we must all think about regularly— our stand before God. Paul is convinced that he has done his very best and that everyone will receive their commendation from God.
In the gospel (Luke 5:33-39) we see a subtle judgement from the Pharisees and the Scribes based on the outward show of religious practice as they said to Jesus, “The disciples of John fast and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” Jesus however told them that his presence is a celebration, a feast like a wedding banquet. Such a celebration is not the place to fast. Jesus brings something new in the way people relate with God. With him, God is not far away, but lives in the midst of the people. His presence therefore means that, we do not have to travel to find God; wherever we are gathered in his name, he is present too. This truth is as ancient as humanity because, in the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had a close relationship with God; it was only out of disobedience they lost that relationship. The parable of ‘the New Wine in New Wine Skin,’ explains therefore that there is time for everything. The joy of a new relationship with God is what the presence of Jesus brings. It is not the time to condemn, it is the time to celebrate the mercy and love of God. The one who did not fast the way the Pharisees did, has committed no sin because of that. The one who celebrates the presence of Christ has done even something greater.
The Lord is the judge of our actions and we must try to be at our best knowing that he sees all things including the intentions.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to spread your love and mercy through our daily living. Amen. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Please, Sign in below...
-
No Upcoming Events Yet!