Readings
I -Phil. 3: 3-8
II - Lk. 15: 1-10
THE TRUTH SETS FREE
Giving up for a cause though costs, it is joyful and voluntary. Let us base our reflection on the first reading today. St. Paul was a reputed and righteous person, disciple of the great teacher of the Law, Gamaliel, a man held in high esteem by all Jews (Acts 22:3), an Israelite belonging to the tribe of Benjamine, a Hebrew of Hebrews, Roman citizen by birth and a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the Church of Christ. Once he discovered the Jesus is the promised Messiah he was ready to give up anything for the sake of Christ but only to earn the hatred and enmity of his own people and the fellow Pharisees, enduring suffering, persecution, loss of reputation, hunger and thirst, all for the sake of Christ. This he did joyfully because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ the Lord.
Jesus says, “The truth will set you free” (Jn. 8: 32). “Let go” becomes the attitude of the one who discovers the truth. We call ourselves Christians but are we Christ like in our charity, forgiveness, kindness, meekness, humility and simplicity. Practicing all these virtues costs our pride, ego, status, name and fame. Are we ready to give up joyfully for the sake of Jesus who has shown us the way with his life? May the life of St. Paul inspire us to give up anything for the sake of Jesus our Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to 'Let go'”
