GREAT ARE THE WORKS OF THE LORD(1Timothy 3:14-16/Psalm 111:1-6/Luke 7:31-35)

GREAT ARE THE WORKS OF THE LORD

(WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019)

The portion of St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, from which today’s reading is taken, is part of a group of on-going communications about pastoral matters.

Paul defines the proper place and the importance of the church in our lives. He also underlines the core of our belief in Jesus Christ. The church of the living God is formed by its members, the believers, the pillars of the church. Paul further helps us to define who it is that we believe in; Christ Jesus— He is the one who was shown to us in the flesh; vindicated by the Spirit; seen by angels; proclaimed by the Gentiles; believed in throughout the world, and taken up in glory.
Jesus, in the gospel, according to Luke, speaks directly to us.

What is our generation like? Are we children who never seem to be happy or satisfied? Are we perverse and difficult? When Jesus began His ministry, He started by stirring up questions and anxiety about His identity and His relationship with John the Baptist. John’s followers ask, Are you the one? Jesus answers indirectly, tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Jesus then turns to the crowd, asking them what they expect to see, essentially asking them, who are you seeking? Do you know what you want?

Today’s reading is a challenge to them, telling them they don’t know what or whom they are looking for, so they disparage and criticize everything and everyone who comes along.
Do we reject the word of God in almost any form in which it is presented?

The generation of John the Baptist rejected him simply because he was too austere; they rejected Christ as well because He socialized with everybody—the rich and the poor alike; the righteous as well as the sinners; the healthy as well as the sick both physically, mentally and spiritually. He does this so as to save all and bring them closer to God. Despite these strategic means Christ adopted to draw people closer to Himself, the people were not happy but rather accused Him of being a glutton, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. The wisdom of God and the Church may be presented in many ways. Do not close your mind to it. Be like the reverent children of God, and spread the words of wisdom.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to be open to you so that your word will always make an impact in my life. Amen.