Readings: 2 John 4-9, Ps. 119:1-2,10-11,17-18, Luke 17:26-37
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. They ate and drank, married, and were given in marriage until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot…” (Luke 17:26-29)
God often reveals his plans to certain people, but they always seem unbelievable until they happen. Noah was privileged to see ahead of his time. He knew the flood was coming, but they all mocked him when he warned the people. Noah continued working on the Ark for many years (thereby giving the people a lot of time to rethink their evil ways). It was too late for anyone to enter the Ark when the rain began.
- No one knows what the next moment holds; act right and remain steadfast even if everyone else laughs at you. If God has put something in your heart to do and you are convinced it is right, keep at it. One day, the Ark you are building will be your saving grace.
- Lot and his family were like outcasts in Sodom and Gomorrah. I imagine people laughing at them for not participating in their sinful behaviours. The fact that something is popular (or generally accepted by the majority) does not make it right.
- Again, the fact that “everybody is doing it” does not mean that God is not offended by it. Do not take God’s mercy for granted. Jesus says that on that day, many would go about their daily routines, eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building, and so on, and judgment would happen like a surprise. Then, we would all face the consequences of our actions.
- Jesus also added: “Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever seeks to gain life will lose it.” If we seek self-actualisation (fulfilment, salvation, happiness) from the riches of this life, we will never be satisfied. This is why Jesus refused to bow to the devil in exchange for the riches of the world and its kingdom. (cf. Matthew 4:8-10). The earlier we realise that we cannot take anything we didn’t bring into this world, the wiser we will be.
- In today’s first reading, John calls our attention to the coming of deceivers: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh; such is the deceitful one and the antichrist.” Of course, we have deceivers today who have turned religion into a worship of riches rather than the worship of Christ.
- While downplaying sin, they teach financial freedom; while watering down biblical doctrines, they promote unnatural sexual behaviours. To be an antichrist is to be against Christ, to teach what Christ himself condemned—to use the name of Christ as a cover for licentiousness.
- Take a look at how people dress to church today. Consider our so-called gospel music, sensual dance steps, emphasis on entertainment, and so on. Apply Noah’s wisdom — don’t follow the crowd!
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase my wisdom like Noah's. 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 32 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 John 4-9, Ps. 119:1-2, 10- 11, 17- 18, Luke 17:26-37).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu