1 Timothy 3:14-16
Psalm 110(111):1-6
Luke 7:31-35
AN INCONSOLABLE TRAGEDY
In today’s thrilling gospel passage, Jesus cuts straight to the heart of the matter, shining a spotlight on those who are quick to criticize and find fault, using it as a shield to ignore the powerful message at hand. Enter John the Baptist, who delivers a transformative message, but instead of embracing it, the critics dismiss him, crying out, “He’s possessed by a demon!” Then, with Jesus Himself right in front of them, they instead choose to mock Him, labeling Him “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Because of this stubbornness, they remain unchanged, untouched, and unredeemed. What a tragic waste of opportunity!
Shifting gears to the passage from 1 Timothy that we earlier read, we discover that through baptism, we are woven into “the household of God.” While we may belong to various “households”—families, friends, communities, and organizations—none should ever overshadow our connection to the household of God, the very essence of the “Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” This is our ultimate place of belonging, the core of our existence. Let’s take a moment to reflect on our paths, follow in His footsteps, and fulfill our baptismal calling to witness Christ in our lives, while enriching the journeys of others. That is an exhilarating mission that awaits us!
Fr Joseph Osho