Reflection for Wednesday
of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16;
Mt 11:25-27)
Assyria was a great nation, with stout
warriors, which subdued many nations under her. The message of Isaiah today was
addressed to Assyria. “Thus says the Lord, Ah! Assyria, the rod of my anger,
the staff of my fury! Against a godless nation I send him, and against the
people of my wrath I command him.” God used Assyria to punish disobedient
nations, especially Israel. But they began to take pride in their victories
over nations, thinking it was by her strength, wisdom and great army that
nations fell under her. Because of this pride, Isaiah announced, “The Lord, the
Lord of hosts will send wasting sickness among her stout warriors, and under
his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of fire.”
Though, Assyria was a pagan nation,
God used them as a chastening rod to humble Israel. Yes, Jesus addresses God as
Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth. All
creation, all times and seasons, belong to Him. And He disposes all according
to His will. He uses both good and bad people and situations to humble us and
teach us His ways. It is those who are humble like little Children before God
that He reveals His mysteries and wisdom.
Therefore, we do not take pride in
our strength or knowledge. In humility we hide ourselves in Christ Jesus, the most
humble, and who is one with the Father. Being Lord of heaven and earth, He is
equally the Lord of all we are and can be in the future! Like His little Children,
we stand before Him without evil intentions, ready to be disposed according to
His gracious will and we look up to Him for His providence.
That is why as we practice daily
meditations, we become more conscious of the presence of God and we gaze upon Him in
humility. This will fill us with the grace to coordinate ourselves as His ‘handmaids’,
or as ‘missionaries sent’ even to our works, family life, relationships, and
spiritual life. The pride of Assyria can
no more bring down the humble Israel. Humility is a shield; you shall stand secure. Amen
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic
Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday July 15th,
2020.
Memorial of St Bonaventure.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com
