Wednesday, 4 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Ps. 33:12-15,20-21, Luke 4:38-44
“For as long as there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations?” (1 Corinthians 3:3)
Once upon a time, a preacher told the story of a man who was given the privilege of going on an excursion to Hell and Heaven. According to him, the food in heaven and hell is the same. The only difference is that in heaven, each person feeds others until all have eaten to their satisfaction, but in hell, they all struggle and fight for food, and no one gets to eat anything.
- Today, St. Paul describes jealousy and strife as symptoms of persons who lack spiritual maturity, are unspiritual and ordinary men, and are still of the flesh. Let us search our hearts. Are there people I am quarrelling with right now? Why? How can I use this situation to allow my spirit to blossom?
- For the Corinthians, their problem was taking sides between Paul and Apollos, similar to when we began to form camps around our spiritual leaders. Paul was unhappy with them because they failed to see that Paul and Apollos were mere instruments while God was the real Chief Shepherd who made the growth happen.
- Having dealt with the demon-possessed man in the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Peter, where He cured his mother-in-law of her fever. He also cured all those in the neighbourhood who were sick of all kinds of diseases and demonic possession. The people brought their sick ones to Jesus because they believed in his power.
- How often do I go to Jesus in faith for healing? Do I believe that Jesus, who is present in the Blessed Sacrament under the appearance of Bread and Wine, can cure me of all sicknesses, bad habits, and demonic possession?
- Did you notice that immediately after the healing and casting out of demons session, Jesus retreated to a quiet place to pray? This is an important lesson we must learn. Do not become prideful when you successfully fight Satan and destroy the forces of darkness. Prayer is one great cure for the vice of pride. When we don’t pray, we forget it is not by our power and begin to fall.
- We can never be too tired to pray. From synagogue to the house to healing crusade, Jesus still had to create time for personal prayer. What does this teach me? What excuse do I have for skipping prayer?
- Again, like Jesus, we must always remember that prayer is a matter of being one-on-one with God. Jesus prayed in the synagogue often with many others, but apart from these community prayers, Jesus maintained a personal prayer schedule. Prayer was Jesus’ favourite recreation. What is my preferred recreational activity?
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. (Wednesday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Ps. 33:12-15, 20-21, Luke 4:38-44).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu