Readings: Galatians 2:1-2,7-14, Ps. 117, Luke 11:1-4
“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” (Galatians 2:11-12)
Today, we see that God saw something in Paul that would greatly aid the spread of the Gospel worldwide: his courage to stand up for the truth regardless of who was involved. It takes great courage to speak truth to power, especially when the person involved is a man of God. According to Paul, Peter’s two-faced behaviour deserves condemnation.
- Pretence is a virus we must delete from our lives. During the Maccabean persecution, Eleazar was given the option of bringing his own meat so that his life may be spared. Still, he said: “Such pretence is not worthy of our time of life, lest many of the young should suppose that Eleazar in his ninetieth year has gone over to an alien religion, and through my pretence, for the sake of living a brief moment longer, they should be led astray because of me, while I defile and disgrace my old age.” (2 Maccabees 6:24-25)
- Secondly, when correcting others, avoid speaking behind their backs lest it becomes merely gossip and character assassination. Do not be a coward. On the other hand, we also need the grace of Peter’s personality to listen and make corrections. Peter did not have a problem with owning up to his faults. After he denied Jesus Christ and heard the cock crow, he wept and begged forgiveness from God.
- In today’s Gospel passage, one of Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. It takes humility to ask to be taught how to do something, just as it takes humility to take corrections when people point out our faults. The Lord’s prayer appears simple, but it is also very powerful. Let us now highlight some aspects of this prayer:
1. Jesus does not speak in tongues, showing us that we can talk to God even if we do not have the gift of speaking in tongues. You need not learn any special language to talk to God because He is your Father.
2. By addressing God as our Father, Jesus shows us that we are God’s children, and this must be reflected in our behaviour. How can we call God our Father if we have no regard for His commands? Jesus once said: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50).
3. Jesus prays for our “daily bread,” reminding us how the Israelites were told to gather manna sufficient for each day (Cf. Exodus 16:4, 19-20). Those who thought they were smart gathered more than they needed for the day, but it became bad the next morning. Learn to live for today; let go of yesterday and surrender tomorrow to God.
4. Jesus asks God to forgive our sins on one condition: that we forgive the sins of those indebted to us. Do not be like that servant whose huge debts were forgiven but failed to forgive his fellow servant who owed him less. (Matthew 18:23-35).
5. Finally, Jesus asks God to save us from temptations. Every temptation (or trial) is a spiritual battle; if we are not fortified, we fall. Jesus spent forty days fasting and praying in the wilderness to receive strength to defeat the devil’s temptations. Treasure every minute spent in prayer.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the courage to be real and always tell the truth. 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 27 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Galatians 2:1-2,7-14, Ps. 117, Luke 11:1-4).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu