Tuesday 15^th December – Tuesday of week 3 of Advent

Reflection: Matthew 21: 28-32               

TRULY CHRISTIAN

A beautiful lady had been forced into prostitution by difficult and pitiable circumstances. She endured heinous agony at the hands of her patronizers and gradually sank into perpetual grief. At that moment, she had had a handful of wicked men; but she would never forget the first one and the evil in his eyes as he deflowered her just three weeks ago. Haunted by her life, she sought spiritual help at a nearby church only to find that the chief counselor and head pastor of the church was the same man; whose evil eyes haunted her. The rest of the story is obvious.

‘Christians’; who are the first to hear God’s word and by their profession agree to live by it would be most unfortunate; if they do not show their faith in obedience. ‘Christians’ called to live like-Christ would be most unfortunate; if Christ is not seen in their lives outside the Church; in truth, humility and love. Our Christian faith is proven, not just by our attendance in Church, our carrying Bibles and Rosaries around or our outward shows of piety. The most important proof ouir faith is the everyday life we live.

Jesus rebuked the chief priests and elders in today’s gospel reading for their failure to believe John the Baptist because of their religious pride and self-righteousness. Are we any different from them dear friends? Are we open to the challenge for a renewed life, a life that looks beyond ourselves, our pride and past hurts and decisions and  is centred on obedience to Jesus? Redeemed of Christ, the Church is not just a building where piety is stored; the Church is the body of Christ alive in the lives of Christians.

PRAYER: My Lord Jesus, teach me obedience to your Word and help me live like you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 347 – Why is “not practicing what you preach” such a serious deficiency in a Christian?

Agreement between one’s life and one’s witness is the first requirement for proclaiming the Gospel. Not practicing what you profess is therefore hypocrisy, a betrayal of the Christian duty to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world”.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Samuel then said: Does Yahweh take as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to his command? Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission better than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15: 22 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Zephaniah 3: 1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-19. 23; Matthew 21: 28-32.