“MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU, THE LIVING GOD” (Ps 42:3)
⏰Saturday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time 2 (31 October 2020)
📕Phil 1:18b-26; Ps 42:2, 3, 5cdefg (R.v.3ab); Luke 14:1, 7-11
In order to appreciate the Letter of St Paul to the Philippians well, especially in relation to the portion we are reflecting on today, it is important for us to understand the disposition of Paul.
It is believed that he wrote this Letter while he was suffering in the prison. So there was that war between his desire for physical freedom from the prison and spiritual freedom which the suffering would earn him.
In our world today, this battle still rages on in us. It is the battle of choice between the good and the bad. The bad always provides us with easier-ways-out while the good often comes with tough and sometimes uncomfortable options.
We are not sure what the options were for St. Paul. Perhaps, like the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (cf. Dan 3:8ff), he was given the option of renouncing Christ so as to be freed. But St. Paul was wiser, for he declared, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21).
My dear, when life pushes you hard and leaves you with the option of rejecting or remaining with God, what do you choose? Do you remember that the devil cannot give you any free gift because he is a thief who has come to steal and to destroy (cf. John 10:10)?
We are called today to join St Paul in declaring for Christ no matter our challenges in life because he alone is the solution to all our difficulties. But we cannot do this effectively if we are not humble. Check it out yourself! Most times, it is pride that pushes us into seeking quick solution from the devil – for the desire to become ‘Chief Oputa Obie‘, I go to the devil for quick money; but for how long?
Jesus is rather calling on us today to humble ourselves before the Lord (cf. Luke 14:7-11) because he will surely lift us up at the appointed time (cf. 1 Pet 5:6; Jas 4:10).
May God look upon us with mercy and answer us in time of need as we place all our hope in him. Amen.
Have a grace-filled and successful weekend. Peace be with you.
