TRIALS, TRUTH AND TARGET
The song Alfie reminds us of the meaning of life: “What‘s it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live? ... And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?” The world measures by power, possessions and pleasure. The Gospel measures by surrender, simplicity and service.
The readings remind us to expect trials, to teach the truth, and to prioritize the target: to love. We need rules and rituals but we are reminded of the role of relationships: to love God first, and to love our neighbor as we love our self.
Trials. Following Jesus meant for Paul to suffer for the Gospel or be chained like a criminal. He was ready to embrace everything for the sake of the chosen. He warned the early Christians not to be trapped by disputes, disgrace and deviations.
Truth. Paul reminds Timothy that the word of God is not chained. Beyond all disputes, disgrace and deviations, Paul preaches Jesus as our deliverer from sins. Paul encourages Timothy to persevere to the end. The psalmist petitions: “Teach us your ways, O Lord.” The Lord guides the sinners, the humble to the path of justice, kindness and constancy.
Target. Paul instructs Timothy to remember what is the goal of the ministry: the Word of God cannot be chained. He teaches, “If we have died with him we shall also live with him.”
In the end, Paul teaches the truth: to be with Jesus. Beyond all burnt offerings and sacrifices is the love of God first, the love of neighbor and the love of self. In other words, the commandment is to love, to build relationships first before rules and rituals. Fr. Teodulo P. Gonzales, S.J
REFLECTION QUESTION: What trials do you experience in following Jesus?
O most loving Father of Jesus Christ, from whom flows all love, let our hearts, frozen in sin, cold to You and cold to others, be warmed by this divine fire. So help and bless us in Your Son. (Prayer of Anselm, 12th Century)
No comments:
Post a Comment