Bible Study: 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 there was something God saw in Paul that would greatly aid the spread of the Gospel across the world; his courage to stand up for the truth regardless of who is involved. Paul was a fearless and straightforward person. He was not afraid to challenge Peter as well as Barnabas about their insincerity regarding their treatment of the Gentiles.
It takes great courage to speak truth to power especially when the person involved is a man of God, not to mention, the first Pope himself. Paul opposed Peter to his face because Peter ate with the Gentiles only to distance himself from them later for fear of the circumcision party. According to Paul, this two-faced behavior of Peter deserves condemnation.
One great obstacle to the promotion of the Christian Faith is the gap we often see between what we preach and what we do. Pretense (unholy diplomacy) is a virus that we all need to delete from our lives. It is also important to point out the fact that Paul did not go about talking about Peter behind his back but addressed Peter to his face. If you lack the courage to tell people their faults to their face, better keep quiet and pray for them. Do not be a coward.
On the other hand, we also need the grace of Peter’s personality to listen and take correction. Peter did not have a problem with owning up to his faults. After he denied Jesus Christ thrice and heard the cock crow, he wept and begged forgiveness from God. It is one thing to be corrected but it takes special grace to accept correction.
In our Gospel passage today, one of Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. We are not told who this disciple is but one thing that is clear is that this disciple was not an arrogant person. It takes humility to ask to be taught how to do something. Can we be humble enough to admit our ignorance and ask to be taught? Or would we rather assume we know it all and refuse to be corrected?
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to be real and say the truth at all times. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 27 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Galatians 2:1-2,7-14 Ps. 117, Luke 11:1-4)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu