29Week in ordinary Time
Gospel: Lk 12: 54-59
Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penn
LET US WORK SMART: Jesus condemns the crowd because they know how to interpret meaningless earthly signs but cannot interpret the present times. We are sinners but we do not interpret that judgment is near so that we act smart in reconciling with our Creator. Debtors that we are, let us act smart. Jesus admonishes the lack of promptness and smartness. However, Jesus uses this as an example to point to things higher and nobler. Linking this to our worldly experiences, often, persons that inherit lots of wealth, fall prey to wastefulness and subsequently, miserable and poor old age. They fail to be smart despite the resources at their disposal. Jesus words of caution to us therefore are, “Why do you not judge for yourself what is right?” Let us hold onto the gospel as our light if we want to achieve joy and eternal life.
PRAYER: God of Heaven and earth, may we seek you as the light of our steps every day.
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EVANGELICAL FREEDOM: Being disciples of Jesus and living the Gospel is a journey towards freedom. This freedom is can misunderstood as living without limitations or doing what one pleases. But the deeper understanding of freedom ability to opt for life no matter what the cost or the consequences are. He is no longer moved by temporal desires and the need to please others with his actions or decisions. The real free person knows what he has to do and is free to do it despite difficulties or challenges. Living the Gospel to the full can be done only in freedom. Radical living of the Gospel entails conflicts and struggles. In freedom we have the power to opt for the Gospel and meet the demands of it.
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GRACE TO DISCERN: We all experience conflicts within. At times, we want to do good but we do not do it; and other times we are not able to avoid the evil we hate to do. We fail to understand ourselves in this struggle. When we encounter others who end up in this way, we understand the battle within them. The experience of own heart can teach us to act with patience and understanding towards others. Even when we should never justify any wrong doing, we can never condemn the person and his intention. We never know what is going in his heart. Only God has such a knowledge and therefore He is very merciful.
DAILY GOSPEL 