Reflection for Wednesday
of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time I
(Col 3:1-11; Lk
6:20-26)
“Set your minds on thing that are
above, not on things that are on earth.” The human mind is naturally
reflective, with an object in view. What makes the difference is the specific
object of contemplation. On the other hand, whatever appears to be beautiful,
true or beneficial presents itself as an object of reflection to the human
mind. If not directed, the wandering mind can easily rest on its immediate
perceived beauty, truth, etc. And our words and action will automatically flow
from where the mind takes recourse.
As we journey through St Paul’s
letter to the Colossians, he advices us strongly on where to set our minds. “If
you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ
is, seated at the right hand of God.” If the mind is set on Christ Jesus as its
object of contemplation, then the individual cannot live sinful life. If our
minds are in Christ Jesus as its object of Beauty and Truth, then our lives will be hidden with Christ in God.
However, the human mind is often
burdened with thoughts as it reflects to find solution to life challenges.
These difficulties, such as poverty, hunger, pain, rejection, hatred, etc can
drag the mind down to earth as it worries to escape them. But Jesus steps in as
our ultimate guide and presents the Beatitudes. Here He announces the
blessedness that counteracts and supersedes our particular misfortune in life. “Blessed
are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God...”
As we listen to the words of the
beatitudes, our minds are directed to that blessedness which cannot be reduced
by any earthly event, no matter how unfortunate they might be. And as our minds
are set on this cloud of glory, and the strength to conquer poverty, hunger,
mourning, persecution, etc floods our souls. The result of this is that our
lives will begin to produce the blessings that have become the objects of our
contemplation: satisfaction, joy and laughter, etc.
Fr Jude Nwachukwu,C.Ss.R
Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday September 11th 2019.
