The Scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110620.cfm
In our first reading from St. Paul to the Philippians, we hear Paul advising the Philippians, and us, to remain focused on Jesus Christ! Paul says for us to be imitators of those who have been a model as followers of Jesus Christ. It is those people who live out their lives as followers of Christ by not being concerned with their own comfort or selfish needs, but in loving God and loving others.
One such person in
recent history that lived out his life in this way was Martin Luther King Jr.
who reminded the world that we are all made in the image of God and are to
treat all people with love and respect. It was through this living out the
gospel of love for all people that Martin Luther King lost his life.
Martin Luther King
listened to Paul’s warning about not being selfish. Paul says of those who have
turned away from Christ, “Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their ‘shame.’” (Philippians 3:19) These are the type of people that go about worried about their own
cares and needs without any worry or concern about others who are in need of
their love, concern and help. He goes on to say, “Their minds are occupied with
earthly things.”
Paul goes on to talk
about a citizenship in heaven. Paul uses this analogy of citizenship to show
that as citizens of heaven, we should live differently than those who are
citizens of this earth. With the
general elections just behind us, there has been a lot of bickering and hatred
going back and forth between different points of view. There has been a great
deal of hatred and back biting by everyone, no matter what the political
affiliation happens to be. All throughout this recent political season, we have
seen people lack charity towards those they may not agree with on different
issues. We are called to live beyond the political name calling and to remember
that all people, whether we agree with them or not politically, are children of
God. Further, Paul is teaching us to live out our lives as followers of Jesus
Christ with love and affection for all people, no matter their point of view.
We are called to remember that all people are made in the image of God, and we
are called to love them as God loves them.
In these politically
charged times, as we attempt to live out our lives as citizens of heaven, let
us remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “Love is the only force
capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
Let us pray for
ourselves and our country to bring about the healing and peace that can only
come from God through Jesus Christ.
Love? DEFINITELY!! Affection? NOT SO MUCH! I don't think the LORD would require me to give Joe Biden a hug & kiss! Ugh!
ReplyDeleteYes, we have to realize that we are citizens of heaven, first & foremost & that our citizenship on earth in our particular country is secondary. The way we live out our citizenship in both places must be in imitation of our true King, JESUS CHRIST, which means that we treat others, even our adversaries, with respect, without abuse, that we tell the truth in a charitable way & that we act unselfishly by providing for their legitimate needs. We deliberately choose unselfish love over hate, because only love & light drive away hate & darkness (to paraphrase Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King). We don't have to like or feel or express affection to people who choose to support the killing of unborn babies throughout pregnancy. We can express righteous indignation toward them. But we must pray for them & wish them well & if necessary, work for the greater good, including their conversion. We must hope that they will repent and be saved & in the meantime act with charity & respect toward them & avoid bitterness & resentment toward them.