Readings: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Luke 6:12-19
“When one of you has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?” (1 Corinthians 6:1)
I am always ashamed when I see Christians fighting dirty, especially in public (on social media). You cannot escape being wronged by others as long as you are alive. Someone must hurt you, but the question is: How do you react? The answer to this question is the litmus test of your Christian identity.
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Mathew 5:39). Jesus practised what he preached during His passion. When he was reviled, insulted, spat upon, and mocked, Jesus did not retaliate. Why is it difficult to imitate Jesus Christ today?
- In today’s First Reading, St. Paul tells the Corinthian church that as Christians, it is already a defeat on their part if they bring lawsuits before unbelievers. Isn’t it better to forgive than to become the object of laughter amongst unbelievers?
- What did Jesus tell us to do when a brother sins against us? Did he say we should write an article on social media or make a video post condemning the brother? Jesus said: “Meet him alone. If he refuses to listen, take one or two others with you. “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17).
- Another cause for shame among Christians today is gross immorality, which St. Paul addresses in today’s First Reading. “Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). St. Paul mentions, “Do not be deceived,” indicating they had preachers (like today’s prosperity preachers) more concerned about earthly comfort than eternal salvation.
- In the previous chapter, St. Paul mentions the case of a member of the Corinthian church who was sleeping with his father’s wife. There wasn’t social media in those days. For Paul to have heard about this in his prison cell in Rome, it is clear that their leaders knew about it but swept it under the carpet. Do not be deceived. Truth is truth. It never ceases to be true, even if no one talks about it. What you do with your body can determine where you will spend eternity.
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus spent all night in prayer alone. Jesus did this to set an example for us, his followers, on the importance of prayer. A person who does not pray (hates prayer, rushes prayers, distracts others from praying, or only prays when others are watching) is not yet a Christian. A Christian is a person who behaves like Christ, and since Christ prayed alone constantly, a Christian should love prayer. A Christian should enjoy spending time alone with God (without attracting the attention of others like the hypocrites do). How is your prayer life?
- Secondly, Jesus teaches us that before making any major decision, we must surrender to God in prayer. Jesus spent the night in prayer to select his closest allies: the twelve disciples. When recruiting employees, business partners, or close friends, do I pray over them?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us understand what it means to be a Christian. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Luke 6:12-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu