22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)
MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious
TABLE OF THE WORD: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63:2.3-4.5-6.8-9 (R. cf. 2ab); Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27
THEME: Be seduced!
THE WORD:
"O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; every one mocks me." (Jeremiah 20:7)
Juxtaposing the three readings of today together, one can possibly deduce that the call to discipleship through water of baptism goes with sharing in the passion of our Lord. That is to say, without which our hope would be futile. It is in the light of this, that ProphetJeremiah in the first reading poured out his mind with lamentation over how God has seduced or deceived him; for he least expected what he was experiencing at that point in time. (cf. Jeremiah 20:7-9).
The second reading following the Pauline's epistle to the Romans' Church reminded us of our personality in Christ being described as "God's altar." (cf. Romans 12:1-2) Here St. Paul invites us to a life of holiness in Christ to shun all form of impurities which may dent the divine image we were all created. (cf. Genesis 1:26).
The gospel pericope gives the general understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Reflecting with Evangelist Matthew, he gives a walking definition of what Christianity is all about; that it is not about eating and drinking but by self denial and daily carrying of our crosses in perseverance. (Matthew 16:21-27)
INSPIRATION
Beloved in Christ, as we have retire on this weekly Easter (the Lord's day) after the fatigue of daily Crosses and tribulations, after taking stock of today's experience. What do we have to say? How heavy was our Crosses? No matter how it was, God's abiding presence is with us. We cannot be absolutely free as Christians without partaking in His passion. That is why the palmist says:
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil, for Thou art with me." (cf. Psalm 23).
Each and everyone of us have experience one kind of trial or the other ranging from betrayal, hatred, envy, insult, false accusation etc. This of course is similar to the suffering Prophet Jeremiah experienced, for in human calculation he thought his prophetic ministry will be that which will be free from suffering. But he never knew that God writes in crooked lines, by implication no matter what we are passing through His hand is always there to hold us from falling.
Finally, as St. Paul admonished us today, while carrying our daily Crosses let us try as much as possible to conform to the pattern of any age but to the gospel ideals which Christ gave us. Let us in perseverance bear the thorns of this life, for amidst this we are more than conquerors and the future glory awaiting us cannot be compared in any way to the present suffering. Then, let us be seduced by God.
Peace be with you!
PRAYER
God of might, giver of every good gift, put into our hearts the love of your name, so that by deepening our sense of reverence, you may nurture in us what is good and, by your watchful care, keep safe what you have nurtured.Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
+ May the Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
(c) The ARCHIVE 030982023
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