Tuesday 27th October – Tuesday of week 30 of the year

Reflection: Romans 8: 18-25

LOOK BEYOND THE “NOW”

Ours is an age marked by the desire for instant gratification. We seek the fastest and easiest way to enrich ourselves and expect to receive instant rewards always. Yet, the universal law of sowing and reaping holds true in every area of our lives. There is a time to sow, to sacrifice, to suffer; a time to wait patiently for the plant to sink its roots, grow and mature and finally the harvest we all look forward to. Our faith journey is not exempt from this law.

In Baptism, the seed of God’s kingdom is sowed in our hearts and we begin our journey to the mountain of God. This journey is not an easy one because it demands of us a new life – a life that is guided by godly principles which often run contrary to the principles of this world. Living out our faith may sometimes entail suffering – the suffering of being made jest off by peers, that of denying yourself of certain pleasures, that of being the only voice for truth amidst the crowd, that of denying oneself so as to offer love to others…these are the crosses we are called to carry after our Lord. Yet, Christ assures us that there is something great to look forward to: a hundred fold reward in this world and thereafter, eternal life (Mt 19:29). Hence St Paul tells us in today’s first reading: “I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to the glory, as yet unrevealed which is waiting for us (Rom 8:18).

Dear friend, in an age that glorifies pleasure at all costs and scorns the message of self control, God calls us to look beyond the “now; to follow the footsteps of His son who “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2). He calls us to persevere in doing good regardless of the cost. Today, resolve to put in your best in all you do – in your faith journey as well as your daily work, household chores, studies marriage etc. Make efforts to sow good seeds today and you will be sure of a joyful harvest (cf Psalm 126:5-6)

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please grant me the courage and faith to live for you in this world and set my heart on the glory to come. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 102 – Why are we too supposed to accept suffering in our lives and thus “take up our cross” and thereby follow Jesus?

Christians should not seek suffering, but when they are confronted with unavoidable suffering, it can become meaningful for them if they unite their sufferings with the sufferings of Christ: “Christ… suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pet 2:21).

HIDE A TREASURE: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Romans 8:18-25; Psalm 126: 1-6; Luke 13: 18-21