Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27; Lk 6: 39-42
Today’s first reading St. Paul mentions about the discipline required for spreading the good news of the Lord. He gives the example of a sporting event. Sporting events were popular in Paul’s time. This example was meaningful to the Corinthians because their city was the center for the Isthmian Games, second in prestige to the ancient Olympics. Through this St. Paul invites the people to prepare themselves to spread the good news even to the point of forgoing what is pleasing them personally but hinder in living the teachings of Christ.
When we reflect on our lives, we see sometimes we act in front of people as if we know everything, and boast about our qualities, greatness, achievements, etc. Often, we fail to be humble and refuse to change our life patterns due to our ego and other human limitations. As Christians, we must teach the gospel values by our very life which speaks louder than words and makes us qualified to enter God’s kingdom.
The Gospel of the day begins with the question ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man?’ We are all weak in the flesh and easily fall into the trap of evil. In the gospel Jesus is very clear that one’s exemplary living is very important before pointing out the faults of others. Often, we put on a kind of mask hiding our face in it and become experts in unveiling the mask of others and criticizing their faults. Readings of today invite us to ‘Be trustworthy witnesses of Christ’ not only through our words but also in actions. Let us stop speaking ill of others and start speaking about the goodness of others. Today let this be our prayer: Lord, make me more aware of my deficiencies, so that I may become gentle in dealing with others.