26th AUGUST. WEDNESDAY, WEEK 21

1.1Thessalonians 2:9-13

2.Matthew 23:27-32

REFLECTIONS AND MEDITATIONS

" Works and faith as complementary"

It is from our experiences that in most of our cultures there is always an emphasis on looking well, and people in this perspective go to great lengths to cultivate their image. From our gospel today, Jesus highlights the importance of cultivating inner reality rather than external image. How people are within themselves is what matters. Practically, Jesus himself appeared at his most unattractive as he hung dying from the cross. Yet, that was the moment when the love within him was at its most intense. Remember the parable of the poor widow in the temple put two copper coins into the Temple treasury looked an insignificant figure contributing little amount of money (Mark 12:41-44). Yet Jesus in her saw the generous heart that was within, a heart like his own that was prepared to give everything, and so, he called over his disciples so that they could learn from her. In school of philosophy I came across the school of philosophical empiricism that emphasized on the sensual perception and appearances. This school of thought bases its facts on what can be perceived and seen. I learned that at times sensual appearances sometimes can be deceptive. In the case of the scribes and Pharisees there was less substance than what met the eye. The gospel tells us not to walk so much on how we appear to others as on what is within, the quality of love in our heart. We invite the holy spirit to come and kindle the fire of God's love within us.

Jesus in the gospel advocates honesty, ,truthfulness, sincerity, transparency, pretentiousness, justice, mercy, and love. He encourages us to live the authentic life. Here there is a lesson that we should never pretend to live the life that is not ours. We are all invited from the readings that we should be able to accept our own positives and limitations. In other words we should let fear of not accepting our real selves go. This calls the acceptance of our lights and shadows, accepting ourselves as we really are. Moreover, this calls for humility, honesty, and gratitude on our part, to acknowledge that all that we are and have come from God, hence, there really no reason for us to boast of our good qualities or achievements or so pose as somebody better than the rest.

Concretely, one of the things that Jesus condemns in the gospel is the inconsistency of the Pharisees which is manifested in their exclusiveness and their tendency to judge other people ( Matthew 9: 9-13). As Christians we need to life of genuine service to others. The Lord knows what is within our hearts. There is no need to boast with our charitable works. God never fails to award those who are authentic in extending a helping hand to the less fortunate. We should meditate on our today's gospel more especially about our final judgment on others. Let us ask the holy spirit that we may be enlightened to accept our real selves and identities.