Bible Reflections I 06.07.2021 - Tuesday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 14

Readings:  

             I - Gen. 32: 23-33

          II - Mt.9: 32-37

STAY FOCUSED AND UNSTOPPABLE TREND SETTERS

According to the Gospel passage today, a dumb demoniac was brought to Jesus.  Jesus cast out the demon and the dumb man spoke.  The common crowd was amazed and the pharisees as usual citicised Jesus saying, “It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devil”.  Jesus was unperturbed to both these responses.  He was focused about His Father’s business (Lk. 2:49). He carried on with his mission of preaching, proclaiming, curing, cleansing, teaching and tutoring.  He was unstoppable.  Neither praise nor criticism, amazement or anger, applause or ridicule, recognition or disregard could stop Jesus from being focused about his purpose because he took delight in accomplishing the will of His Father through continuous union with Him in prayer.

   

St. Paul in his letter to the Philippines exhorts us to focus on, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).  In the letter to the Romans we read, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2). 

This is purposeful and focused life in Christ and a challenge in the current scenario that is compromising and relativizing. In this pursuit we may be ridiculed, mocked, ostracised, citicised, slandered and marginalized.  Let us not get discouraged or give up rather with constant prayer and communion with the Lord, stay focused and become unstoppable in imitating Jesus our trend setter par excellence.