By Ishongkun Kurbah csc –
Readings: 1Kgs 11:29-32, 12:19; Mk 7:31-37
Even though Jesus charged the people to tell no one about his good deeds, the people could not stop themselves from proclaiming his wonderful work.
Every good deed that is done will not be kept hidden and concealed, they one day will be revealed to the world. The day will come when the good deeds we do, such as being kind, righteous, caring, loving, and forgiving will overcome darkness. The good will triumph over the bad, this is the inspiring and encouraging message this gospel passage gives us, a hope for everyone.
The temptations of the world are strong and powerful. They may push us down. We may feel like giving up and yield to them. The world will say, “why should you forgive again and again? Stop forgiving, take revenge, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”
The world will say, “why do you help, did anyone help you so far? Why do you care for others, do people care about your problems? Why be good to your neighbours? They are never good to you.” The evil things will make us think and feel that our good deeds will reach nowhere and bring no change. We may feel discouraged, weak, and demotivated when we look around the world that seems to be filled with darkness.
But the gospel passage gives us a message of hope that every good deed will shine and overcome the bad ones. Will God not make good triumph over the evil? God always strengthens those who persevere and make their purposes reach the end. What we must do from our side is to
not lose hope, get disheartened or be swept by the temptations of the world. Let us keep doing good work even in difficult and trying moments.
We may be taunted and spoken ill for standing for what is right and good. Remember, many have followed the path of Christ and have succeeded in changing many people in the world. St Paul said in his letter to the Galatians, “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right for we will reap
at harvest time, if we do not give up.”