SATURDAY OCTOBER 26, 2024
SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY NINETH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
Ephesians 4:7-16
Luke 13: 1-9
GROWING UP IN THE SPIRIT
It is always frustrating to experience stunted growth, unproductiveness, and sterility. For farmers, it is frustrating and annoying and for anyone, it is one of the worse kind of thing to happen to anyone.
Jesus felt the same way today, and in the gospel, he makes known his frustration against our lack of growth, unproductiveness and sterility. In spite of all he has done, his grace, the life we have, the opportunities he presents, the work he has done within us, yet there is nothing to show to God, no fruits to sweeten his heart.
It seems that all the good, the blessings, protection and graces are given without a reciprocal result. And cautioning us, Jesus indicates that we have been preserved beyond measure, protected and blessed above others. But what have we to show for it?
He calls us therefore, to introspect, to recall and to repent. A total turnaround is what Jesus wants. And he offers us another greater opportunity for it. He is a God of second chance. And at this time what does he expect from us?
Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians indicates the various gifts that have been gifted to us. “And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,”
Such gifts are meant to be used profitably for the salvation of souls, to bear fruits for our God, to bring people back to the faith and to grow in faith and love of our God.
Jesus wants our growth in faith, virtue and morals. He wants our active participation in matters spiritual and church oriented. He desires our active involvement in society building, charitable activities, loving concern for his course and active lives of love.
The reason of our being alive today is to join him in working in our world, to better the society and allow his spirit to be implanted in the soul of every man. It is a task we cannot but achieve with him at the head.
Let us then, seek to grow in the spirit of our master and use the opportunity of our being alive and our being preserved from the worldly misfortunes to further the loving concerns of our God and be his ambassadors in our world.
Heavenly Father, we live to praise you. Help us to invest our energy, resources and talents in seeking your glory. May we be rid of all distractions, selfishness, insincerity and unfaithfulness to things concerning you, our God and our salvation. May we bear fruits of love, virtues for our salvation and wellbeing of our souls through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
