Wednesday, September 23, 2020

TRUTH OF LIFE

 Reflection for Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Lk 9:1-6)

“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Truth is not just what we say; it is life we live. We all hate lies and love those that speak the truth. But sometimes, we accommodate false ideologies in our minds or adapt our lives to wrong lifestyles. To what extent can we find truth in within us? Most times, an honest man is one who battles with falsehoods within him, suppresses them, and painfully allows the truth to shine out. That is why a man who denies God is already standing on falsehood. Hence, the wise man reaches out to God for refuge, and calls out to Him in honest prayer, saying, “Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full, and deny you...or lest I be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.”

Thus, the wise man indicates that an honest living is to live a life pleasing to God. The will of God becomes the departure point; if the desires of our hearts are not in standing with the will of God for us, it becomes false. Sometimes, we admire the best things of life. But their relevance to our relationship with God is important. That is why, in sending out the disciples on mission, Jesus said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.” The prayer of the wise man is exemplified in the missionary life of the disciples. For them to remain true to the mission and be successful, their source of strength and courage must remain the power and authority of Jesus.

Jesus is the Truth; God is our ultimate treasure. Any desire in us that displaces or overrides our longing for God’s Kingdom and His righteousness will definitely lead us to falsehood. Whatever we are praying for today, shall be ours as we remain focused on the will of God. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020.
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