Philippians 1:1-11
Psalm 110(111):1-6
Luke 14:1-6
… By his pure and peaceful light, all darkness and deceit are dispelled.
The Lord knows our secrets, emotions, and thoughts. In today’s Gospel, the lawyers and Pharisees watched Jesus, wondering whether he would heal the man with dropsy on the Sabbath. They remained silent, perhaps recognizing that Jesus could offer this man what they could not. In the end, he revealed the inconsistency in their response.
There is nothing we can hide from God. Just as he knew their thoughts, he also knew the thoughts of the man with dropsy. The man’s body was swollen with excess fluid in his tissues, yet he may have felt unable to speak because of those watching him in silence. Perhaps he felt uneasy about their view of life, but Christ was not deterred. He continued to do good works and perform wonders. He accomplished all things well. By his pure light, darkness and deceit faded away.
Is there something you do that you have not yet given your best effort? What prevents you from doing good works and doing it well ? What has become a barrier to your prayer time and selfless service? Do the people around you ever leave you feeling discouraged or intimidated? Are you troubled by the opinions of others? Do you show compassion toward those around you?
People may observe us and notice our weaknesses, but we do not live merely to please them. Let us keep our minds fixed on God’s will and focus on what we hope to achieve as Christians. With this attitude, we can strive to do our best wherever we find ourselves. Let us live with openness and integrity rather than allowing concern about others’ scrutiny to guide us. Honesty is the best policy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the grace of another day, and I ask for your grace and blessings upon us, your children, who need your merciful love.Keep us safe from harm as we draw closer to the end of this month and the end of the year. As your plan unfolds in my life, grant me the strength to carry out your will. May you continue to feed us with your finest wheat and pasture us like lambs in your arms. Amen
Fr Joseph Osho
