Wednesday 8th March – Wednesday of the 1^st week of Lent

Reflection: Luke 11:29-32

SOMETHING GREATER

In our introduction to Economics back in High School, we were taught about various terms used in the subject, including choice, alternative forgone and scale of preference. We were made to realize that our human wants and needs are insatiable and since our resources are limited, it becomes very important to draw a scale of preference, so that we can make choices that are more important to us.

Beyond the field of economics, this principle is very helpful in our everyday living and decision making. It is helpful in prioritizing our time, treasure and talent. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus rebuked told the crowds that their generation was going to face a severe judgement and condemnation because they had failed to recognize Him. The Ninevites and the Queen of the South recognized the great men: Jonah and Solomon respectively and made radical decisions in response to them. Yet, Jesus country men had the Messiah, God himself present in their midst but they failed to take the opportunity of repentance He offered them.

Dear friends, you and I have been offered a wonderful heritage through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have been giving the privilege of partaking in the divine nature through our Baptism. Do we recognize how great this privilege is? Many insatiable wants…riches, fame, pleasure etc that promise us short-lived happiness tend to crowd out the friendship that Jesus wants with us. During this season let us draw a scale of preference and choose to invest our time into prayer, Bible study, Mass, almsgiving and all other things that bring true and lasting joy.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you give me the opportunity of a new life repeatedly. Help me to recognize that you are greater than the passing pleasures the world offers me. Amen.

Faith Pearls: YOUCAT 89 – To whom does Jesus promise “the kingdom of God”?

God wills “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). The “kingdom of God” begins in those who allow themselves to be transformed by God’s love. In Jesus’ experience these are above all the poor and the lowly.

Hide a Treasure: “Beloved, I beg you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul” 1 Peter 2:11 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51: 3-4,12-13,18-19; Lk 11:29-32