BEING TRUE TO YOUR CHRISTIAN FAITH

REFLECTION FOR 8TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR C

*Theme: BEING TRUE TO YOUR CHRISTIAN FAITH*

R1: Sir 27:4-7

R2: 1 Cor 15:54-58

Gospel:  Lk 6: 39-45

Dear friends in Christ, today’s readings challenge us to be true to our faith, by being active to the teachings of Christ instead of rendering a lips service. The readings leave us with the following lessons that will help us to be true to Faith in our Christian calling:

*1. Our Actions Define Us:* There is a common saying that action speaks louder than voice. The first reading of today challenges us to be in total control of what we say and allow our actions to speak more. “Just as a tree is known by the quality of fruit it bears, so also does a person’s word betray what he feels” (Sir 7:6).

Dear friends, we cannot fake our faith or think of deceiving others by our appearances if our inside communicates a different thing from what we preach or profess. This is part of the major reasons why many people do not believe in God any longer. It also part of the major reasons why some people are abandoning the Christian faith because among many of us Christians, what we preach to people is different from what we do and how we behave.

People easily get scandalized and discouraged because some of our attitudes as Christians are totally different from what Christ preaches. We should therefore make effort to be what we preach. Our actions should be a louder message of God. Let us remember that Christianity is not just a name but an attitude that should be worn by us, remembering that it was from the actions of the followers of Jesus that they were given the name, Christian. (Act 11:13).

*2. Be Mindful of False Teachers:* 

“A blind man cannot lead a blind man, if they do, the both will fall into a pit” (Lk 6:39). In the early Church, baptised Christians were regarded as “the enlightened” because the water of baptism has opened their eyes. That is the case till this day for in baptism we receive the light of Christ which enlightens us and make us to clearly the way of God.

However, there are Christian ministers who consider themselves better Christians than others by teaching what Christ did not teach. In the world today we also see this clearly in some of the laws that are being invented which are different from the intention of Christ. To allow ourselves to be misled by wrong teachings is to allow ourselves to become blind and to be led by another blind person and the destination is the pit of hell and destruction.

Therefore, let us be mindful of those we follow. Let us be mindful of what we listen to. Let us be mindful of the teachings and laws we accept and practise. Let us make effort to set our priorities right to avoid being led astray and falling into the pit of hell.

*3. The Self-Righteousness Syndrome:*

 Since after the fall of Adam and Eve, the struggle against the allures of the worldly pleasures and seeking self happiness has been a challenge for the whole human race and for God’s elect in particular. The implication is that no human being is free from it. Even though we are given different graces on how to manage this situation, some have considered themselves perfect and supper against this struggle for perfection. Their little efforts are already being considered by them as perfection, thereby judging and condemning others. To these, Christ ask; “Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank on your own?”

Today, Christ is calling on us to be very mindful of the self-righteousness mentality. There is hardly any Christian that is more Christian than others. There is no Christian who is without sin. We should make more effort constantly to improve our relationship with Christ instead of judging others and condemning them. We cannot be more than the master who was exemplary. We cannot be more than Christ who was a lover of sinners. It is important that we realise the need to be vigilant against our ego and pride. We have to be humble, rid ourselves of pride and seeking the glories of the world to avoid being led astray. 

Putting the above things in mind and being true to our faith will help us bear the right fruit for which Christians are known. May God bless His Words in our hearts through Christ our Lord, Amen.

*Reflection by Fr Chukwuemeka Livinus V. SMMM*