Friday, 6 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Ps. 37:3-6,27-28,39-40, Luke 5:33-39
“Do not pronounce judgment before the Time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the heart. Then, each one will receive commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)
A small girl held two apples, and her mother asked for one. The little girl chewed one apple with delight, then took the second apple and bit it. The mother felt embarrassed by her behaviour. The girl gave one of the apples to her mum and, with the purest innocence any child could muster, said: “Mummy, take this one; it is sweeter than the other one.”
- It is human nature to judge people as good or bad. Our judgment is mostly based on what we see, think we know about them, or who we are. St. Paul is teaching us today not to be too quick to pass judgment because only God can “bring to light the things now hidden in darkness…” St. Paul’s words are part of his response to the division in the Corinthian Church between those who were for Apollos and those for him.
- To those who were on Paul’s side, he said, “Who are you to declare me a saint?” and to those who were against Paul, he said, “Even though I am not aware of anything against myself (my conscience is clean), I am not thereby acquitted.” Paul’s overall intention here was to break division, to make the people refrain from taking sides, and to make them realise that both Paul and Apollos are imperfect yet powerful instruments in the hands of God.
- In his admonition to the Corinthians, Paul made no negative statement about Apollos, who had been made a rival to him by the people. This is very instructive. It is the devil’s delight to see church leaders quarrel and fight over what they say. Avoid taking sides when people bring gossip; they may be plotting the stage for you to fight with your brother.
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus and his disciples become victims of premature judgment. The Scribes and Pharisees habitually displayed public piety to win people’s admiration, while their hearts were far from God. Jesus wanted true inner piety, which required going into your room, shutting the door to pray and not letting people know you were fasting. (Cf. Matthew 6:6 - Your Father, who sees everything done in secret, will reward you in secret).
- Without trying to find out if Jesus’ disciples were fasting secretly, they murmured against his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Luke 5:30). There is danger in passing judgment before the Time; (before all the facts are exposed). Remember the warning of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment, you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to grow deeper in the spirit. 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. (Friday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Ps. 37:3-6, 27-28,39-40, Luke 5:33-39).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu