Genuine Self-Examination

Meditation for the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Amos 8:4-7; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13)

One of the requirements for a good confession is examination of conscience. This is important, not only for receiving the sacrament of Confession, but for a healthy living and productive life. One of the importance of prayer is to supply us the grace to always have a genuine self-examination. This can explain why meditation is the most effective form of prayer that can aid personal transformation. The practice self-examination through the word of God opens up the mind and heart to divine wisdom, and synchronizes our inner energy with the sanctifying power of grace.

The importance of self-examination is underlined in the parable of the dishonest servant. The master found out that this servant was wasting his goods, and said to him, “Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.” The young man made a self-examination, acknowledged his weaknesses, and weighing the options, saw a bleak future ahead of him. Unfortunately, he made more dishonest decisions in an attempt to secure himself in the nearest future. Jesus told this parable to show that the children of light ought to be smart and wise, not in dishonest gains, but in truth and charity.

 

The dishonest servant was selfish in his thinking; in his self-examination, he thought of using others as an end for his own wellbeing. And that was why he lost out. Our self-examination should open us to God and to our neighbor. Jesus said at the end of the parable, “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal habitations.” This is what prophet Amos referred to in the first reading. He condemned those who trampled on the needy, who dealt deceitfully in their businesses and sold fake products. They would be found out like the deceitful servant and dismissed from the presence of God. “The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: ‘Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.’”

 

However, the second reading tells us that God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Thus, our self-examination should help us imitate the life of Christ, “Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony of which was given at the proper time.” That is why we should avoid greed, which makes us dishonest in handling earthly riches and moves us to take undue advantage of others. On the other hand, if we constantly examine our consciences, balancing our inner selves with the life of Jesus, then we shall treat others with the love of Jesus. This is how we can be faithful in handling every little gift God has given to us, and offer our undivided devotion to Him. Jesus says, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday September 18^th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com