Bible Reflections I 09.08.2021- Monday I Indraya Manna I

Ordinary Time - Week 19

Readings 

         I - Due. 10: 12-22

        II - Mt. 17: 22-27

INFLUENCE PEOPLE IGNORING INFLUENCE   

Jesus besides being an obedient Son of God (Phil. 2:8), an obedient son to his parents (Lk. 2:51) was an obedient and responsible citizen paying the temple tax as we read in the Gospel passage today.  Nowhere in the Bible can we find Jesus speaking up for himself or defending himself from the charges made against him.  Jesus was revered by the people as a radical preacher with authority, a great prophet, wonder worker and a miracle healer while was truly the Son of God.  Jesus would have very well used all these influence for evading the payment of tax.  But he used his influence to influence the people for a new world order of freedom, fraternity, equality and justice.  

‘Influence’ is the greatest magical word of the time.  Influence can accomplish almost all things on the earth.  Impossible becomes possible with influence.  Under the pretext of influence people tend to shirk responsibilities, evade commitments and assign errands on anyone available at their beck and call.  

Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, a legendary scientist and our former President never used his influence for personal gain or glory but he had influenced millions of young and elders alike by choosing him as their role model to carry on his legacy.  Parents, teachers, children, social leaders, church leaders, country leaders and world leaders all have influence pertaining to their level of life.  Let all influence be sublimated to a higher level of influencing people for greater living instead of focusing on self-utility and personal fulfillment and accomplishments.