(REMEMBER TO PRAY IN THIS MONTH OF NOVEMBER FOR YOUR RELATIVES, LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE DIED).
COLLECT: “ALMIGHTY AND MERCIFUL GOD, BY WHOSE GIFT YOUR FAITHFUL OFFER YOU RIGHT AND PRAISEWORTHY SERVICE, GRANT, WE PRAY, THAT WE MAY HASTEN WITHOUT STUMBLING TO RECEIVE THE THINGS YOU HAVE PROMISED. THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SON, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU IN THE UNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, GOD, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN”.
Phil 4:10-19; Ps 111:1-2,5-6,8-9 and Lk 16:9-15.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus clearly puts it before us: the inability to serve two masters (Lk 16:13). You are either there, committed and dedicated to him as a follower/disciple, or you are not there. “Half there with Jesus and half not there with him” is not encouraged in following Jesus. In fact, following Jesus or being a disciple of Jesus demands resoluteness and single-mindedness. Anything besides this may lead us to attachment to the world and what it contains. However, instead of attaching ourselves to the world and what it contains, only to one day lose it, as well as lose heaven, Scripture, especially today’s first reading from the Letter to the Philippians, urges us to do three things with our lives. These will be a demonstration that we are not attached to this world but are focused and resolute in following Jesus, our Lord and Master. These include:
First of all, being content with what we have or with whatever situation we find ourselves in. Paul was content with what he had. “…I have learned in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient”. Paul knew how to live in humble circumstances as well as in abundant circumstances. It is true that if we are not content with what we have, this may create the situation for us to run here and there trying to amass material things and wealth. Yes, if we are not content or happy in any circumstances we face in life, including whatever profession we find ourselves in, envy and jealousy may play a dirty role in our lives and before we realise it, we may find ourselves where we are not supposed to be. This may also result in an attitude of “I want to have more than I have”. This is sinful.
Secondly, we should be concerned for other people, especially the needy and poor. We should share what we have with such people, of course, not for any selfish interests or for any hidden or ulterior motives, but genuinely and willingly helping the poor and the needy. The Philippian Christians grew strong in the virtue of sharing. Therefore, they shared what they had with Paul. One demonstration of the spirit of detachment is the ability to share or let go of some of our material possessions for the sake of others and for the sake of the Church. Let us learn from the Philippians to genuinely share what we have with others.
Thirdly, there is the need to appreciate what God and other people do for us. We should express gratitude to them for their care, love and concern for us. Once again, St. Paul rejoices and expresses gratitude to the Philippian Church for reviving their concern for him. Gratitude is an alien word in some people’s lives and hearts. That is why God and fellow human beings may do a lot of favours and good things for such people, and yet they are not able to express gratitude. May we learn from St. Paul to always appreciate what God and other people do for us. Stay blessed.
WE MEDITATE TODAY, SATURDAY, ON THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES: ‘THE ANNUNCIATION, THE VISITATION, THE BIRTH OF JESUS, THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE AND THE FINDING OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE’. (LET US PRAY FOR HUMILITY, LOVE OF NEIGHBOUR, POVERTY IN SPIRIT, OBEDIENCE AND JOY IN FINDING JESUS) “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, sinners, now and the hour of our death, Amen”.
PRAYER: “MAY THE WORKING OF YOUR POWER, O LORD, INCREASE IN US, WE PRAY, SO THAT, RENEWED BY THESE HEAVENLY SACRAMENTS, WE MAY BE PREPARED BY YOUR GIFT FOR RECEIVING WHAT THEY PROMISED. THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN”.
Rev. Fr. Aloysius Kpiebaya, Catholic Diocese of Wa, UW/R, Ghana. (00233) 0207867239/0545462863. Email: aloybaya20@yahoo.com.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!