The Word: "O LORD, you search me and you know me. You yourself know my resting and my rising; you discern my thoughts from afar. You mark when I walk or lie down; you know all my ways through and through." (Psalm 139:1-3)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: Ferial
Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 1:13-24
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 139:1-3.13-14.15 (R. 24b)
Verse before the Gospel: Luke 11:28
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Inspiration: The term "faith" has different nuances depending on the usage. For the Christians the most outstanding definition of this term is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (cf. Hebrews 11:1). And as such, there is need to have one who testifies to this fact, thus becoming a witness.
Being a witness to the faith means sharing the message of Jesus Christ and demonstrating His love and teachings in our lives experiences as guided by the Scripture.
From the table of the Word today, the first reading being taken from the Pauline's epistle to the Galatian's Church reveals St. Paul's testament of faith in God after his encounter with our Lord. He concretely expressed his desire and commitment to preach that which was divinely revealed to him against human detects and ordinances (cf. Galatians 1:13-24) He condemned in strong terms adulteration of the Word of God in by exhorting us to match our words with actions. While the Psalmist on the other hand reminded us, as witnesses of the Gospel that we should be conscious of the fact that God knows us through and through:
"O LORD, you search me and you know me. You yourself know my resting and my rising; you discern my thoughts from afar. You mark when I walk or lie down; you know all my ways through and through." (Psalm 139:1-3)
However, as witnesses we ought to choose a part that will encourage and motivate us along the journey, not to be distracted with ephemeral realities as we have seen in the case of Martha (in today's gospel) who went about things that were not of great importance, while her sister Mary chose the right path of meditating on the Heavenly realities (cf. Luke 10:38-42). Through the Sacrament of Baptism we have been given the unction to function as harbingers of the gospel: "Go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:18-20) And in Acts 1:8: "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." becomes the trade mark of every Christian.
As witnesses, we need to be ever ready to defend our believe in God as St Peter says: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (3. 1 Peter 3:15)
Finally, to be authentic witness of the gospel we need to have:
1. Personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. Understanding of biblical teachings.
3. Sharing the Gospel message.
4. Demonstrating Christ-like behaviour.
5. Testifying to God's work in your life.
These acts have to be founded in Humility (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:2); Courage (cf. Acts 4:29); Compassion (cf. Matthew 9:36); Integrity (Proverbs 10:9) and Authenticity (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:2).
Let us therefore, gird our loin and be steadfast in our faith journey so that on the last day we may see Jesus our Lord and Master as He is. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
God of mercy and compassion, we thank You for the many favours we have received. In Your love please help us to be conscious of Your love for us so that we may be true witnesses of Your teachings. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 08102024
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