STRIVE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Ezra 9: 5-9 II - Lk. 9: 1 - 6 STRIVE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Gospel passage of the day is on Jesus assigning the ministry of driving away the demons, curing of diseases, proclamation of the Kingdom of God and healing the sick. Jesus entrusted the ministry to the twelve and suggested them about their means of living as well. The Gospel passage enlivens the preaching of Jesus, “But seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:33); “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into the barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable” (Mt. 6:26). Hence, Jesus exhorts his disciples to concentrate on the mission than on the means of living. To preach through words is easy to everyone but to preach through life is witnessing, demanding and credible. Dare to proclaim the Good News to the sick, depressed, discourages, distressed and the downtrodden that our God is ‘Immanuel’ - God with us. Commit to heal the world with your smile, kindness, cheerfulness, compassion, mercy, love, forgiveness and gentleness. In doing all these we become credible Christians and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Keep focused on the ministry and mission entrusted, and true to the promises of the Lord, the rest will fall in line, one blessing after another, all for the glory of the Lord. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, a French saint. He is the founder of the Congregation of the Missions. St. Vincent de Paul is recognised for his charity and compassion for the poor. May the saint help us to live by the Gospel of the day