Let us meditate on how the teachings of Jesus in the gospel
of today can unlock Abraham’s blessings for us. He says, “So whatever you wish that
men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” It is
surprising how easily we wish to be treated differently from the way we threat
others. It is only when we consider the good of others first, or when we put
ourselves in their shoe before acting that we can treat them as we wish to be
treated. This is justice and fairness. Much more than that, it brings about
what the law and the prophets try to establish. Hence, it creates such an environmentthat unlocks heavenly blessings.
The dramatic story in the first reading talks about the conflict
between the herdsmen of Abraham and those of Lot. Abraham resolved the conflict
by asking Lot to choose first the grazing area he considered best. This is a
typical example of threatening others as you would like to be threatened. This singular
gesture did not diminish Abraham, instead God was pleased with and him. “The
Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, ‘Lift up your eyes, and
look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and
westward; for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your
descendants forever. I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth.”
Let us try to reduce selfishness today by thinking a little
bit more about the welfare of others. Sometimes we place justice in front,
demanding that people must be worthy and qualify to merit our kindness and love.
But true justice and fairness shines out when we consider the good of others
and the common good. It is like passing through a narrow gate, full of
discomfort and discipline but leads life. Yes, this narrow gate of considering
the good of others will definitely unlock Abraham’s blessings for us. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Tuesday June 27, 2023.
