Saturday 16 October 2021 – A TRUE FOLLOWER

28 Week Ordinary Time 

Gospel: Lk 12: 8-12
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.  For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

A TRUE FOLLOWER: A true follower is one who has faith, and believes in God. In the first reading, Abraham is regarded as the father of all nations because of his faith. God does not like those who only follow the law but those who have faith in it. Jesus also states that whoever acknowledges him on earth, will also be acknowledged (by Jesus) before the angels in heaven. A true follower also does not sin against the Holy Spirit because when this happens, forgiveness is blocked. As Christians, we need the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is our guide and advocate. When we are wrongly cornered, God’s spirit advocates for us. He gives us the right words and wisdom for our defense against our charge. Let us have faith in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER: Lord, may your Holy Spirit be our advocate and enlighten us.

*****

FAITH IS LOVE: Paul explains to his listeners that true relation with God is possible only through faith. It is not mere fulfilment of precepts and laws. Abraham is our father in faith who believed, hoping against hope. Faith is active and visible in love. That is what the first commandment is all about – with all heart and mind love God above all things. Jesus takes a step further and joins into one the commandment of love of God and of neighbor. The one who believes loves God and loves the neighbor well. Faith, therefore is a gift of self to the other. To love is to believe without conditions, hence it is the highest expression of faith.