Sunday, September 8, 2019

Mother Teresa inspires that, ”Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”

The complexity of life goes beyond the bounds of human knowledge. Due to the advancement of Modern science and technology human beings deceive themselves that they are in control. We think life is all about acquisition of knowledge. "I know, therefore I am!" Notwithstanding this feat, we have not been able to solve the challenges that confront our lives. Our fruitless attempt to surmount pertinent life situations have put us into dilemma. This means, despite our knowledge, we still lack something which is beyond our human nature.

Therefore, in the extract of our first reading, the author stresses man’s inability to fathom the divine plans and decrees. Implying that our knowledge is finite and limited, so we need the Wisdom and the Spirit of God to wade through the waters of life. Without the wisdom of God man, toils fruitlessly. Wisdom is the key that opens the door of the enormity of the treasures of life; of which human knowledge alone is in futility. "It is only the wisdom of God that makes our path straight.” (Wis. 9:18B). Knowledge without wisdom is travesty! But the alacrity of life is in the application of knowledge with wisdom. The Psalmist says, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart, ” (Psalm 90:12). Seek for the wisdom of the Lord, but not the knowledge of the world!

Dearest sister and brother in Christ, it is against this background that St. Paul, in our second reading emboldened the master of Onesimus to accept him with fraternal spirit for the sake of Christ Jesus. In Christ, we are all one. Equality in our common faith towards the common goal of salvation. So there is no place for discrimination, judging others, making others subservient or inferior, looking down on others or reducing another human being into slavery. Indeed, this is the mind of our modern world, where people think they know more than the others so they wield power and authority. However, the wisdom of God makes us appreciate that each one is a visible image of the invisible God. So let's treat one another with dignity and honor. Deal kindly with people around you.

Jesus Christ, in our gospel reading, as usual stirs the waters as he clearly spells out the demands of discipleship. There is the need to set our priorities right as Christians, developing the right orientations in our vocation. Being a Christian comes with a cost. It must go with a firm resolution and deeper commitment with one’s determination to persevere through. A true and serious Christian like you must be ready to renounce your possessions (comforts, conveniences, attachments, etc) for the sake of the Kingdom of God. The knowledge of the world may deceive you, but the wisdom of God will save you!  Always remember that the real meaning of life is found in knowledge with the wisdom (Spirit) of God. This is what the Saints did... Are you ready to be one? 

Hope to see you in Church. May God bless you and your family. Have a blissful week.

Fr. Emmanuel

Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time