Friday, October 4, 2024: Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi.
Readings: Job 38:1,12-21;40:3-5, Psalm 139, Luke 10:13-16.
Theme: REPENTANCE, THE ONLY MEANS TO RECEIVE GOD’S BLESSINGS.
In the Gospel today Jesus curses three towns of Galilee. Are we surprised? Is it not the same Jesus who rebuked His disciples when they sought to call down fire from heaven against a Samaritan Town (Luke 9:54-55)? This same Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors.
We realize, with Jesus and all the prophets, the dangers and the tragedies born out of sin. Let us give our lives, let us hope to keep scandal from the little ones, the young, the pure and the innocent. Hatred of evil is the beginning of wisdom and this is repentance. This is what happened to the good thief that in his wisdom he repented in an effort to have the blessing of heaven (Luke 23:42-43).
Therefore the curses of Jesus are like a prophecy, warning sinners of the consequences of sins not repented. They are a warning to us, who may think ourselves just and fall into evils we have no humility to recognize. The curses also serve to remind us of how the infinite mercy of God brings good out of evil.
Our Lord Jesus Christ mentioned the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida as they were at the height of ungratefulness. This situation is sometimes brought about by fear:
1. How many times have we- christians allowed fear to cripple our faith in God?
2. How many times have we allowed fear to make us forget the blessings and miracles given to us every day?
One of the ways of overcoming fear that will help us to put our trust in the Lord is having the habit of counting our blessings and giving thanks to God no matter the situation.
The instructions contained in the Lord’s curses are not only the blessings of God, but an inspiration that will save us if we have the wisdom to heed them. May then the “curse of sin” come upon the sinner now, while he or she has time to learn wisdom from it and repent.
St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) whose memorial we celebrate today was the son of a wealthy 12th century Italian Merchant, and early in his life was devoted to partying and enjoying his social status. After an illness his life changed. In other words he repented and began a life of evangelical poverty. His followers are called Franciscans. He is a model for us to repent all our sinfulness and ask the good Lord, the giver of all good gifts and miracles to give us the grace to trust Him and appreciate His blessings in our lives.
Lord Jesus, thank you for all the blessings in our lives. Amen!
Fr. Kwehangana Bagubwa Mathias