THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE GOSPEL

Meditation for Monday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 1:13-24; Lk 10:38-42)

St Paul continues to prove his point against those who preach “another gospel.” A perverted message of the gospel is not easily noticeable; one can easily fit in and settle for it. St Paul explains that only the true gospel of Christ has the power to bring about genuine personal transformation. He set himself as an example of the power of the gospel to bring about “The New Man” (Eph 4:24). St Paul gave account of his conversion from Judaism and a persecutor of the Church to Christianity and a preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles. This was not brought about by any human agency, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. He explained that it was after three years of receiving this mandate that he went up to Jerusalem to visit St Peter.

Thus, St Paul explained the authenticity of his message that he did not receive his mandate from any of the apostles, but from Jesus Christ himself through a revelation. So, he became the last born of the apostles (1 Cor 15:8-11). The grace of Christ that transformed St Paul is within the gospel he preached. In other words, the true gospel is influential, and transforms those who receive it. While Paul was still preaching in the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and had not visited the Church in Judea, yet they heard about his conversion and glorified God.

 

The message of St Paul is clear: if we follow fake preachers, we may be engrossed in rigorous and severe religious practices that cannot transform us into the new life in Christ. Meditate on the powerful presence of Jesus that kept Mary at His feet, and caught up her heart in contemplation of Him. Think about that influential impulse that engaged Martha to serve the Lord. These are available for us whenever we embrace the true gospel. That is why we must hold fast to the true interpretation of the gospel the Church has taught us.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday October 4, 2022.

Memorial of St Francis of Assisi

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