By Amala William csc –
Readings: Is 1:11-17; Mt 10: 34-11:1
In the first reading, prophet Isaiah stresses on ineffective worship and sacrifices. God is shown to act like a human being by rebelling against his people. God’s expected devotion needs to be accompanied by conversion, penance, and humility. God is pleased with works of charity and mercy toward the subaltern.
A burnt offering before him is nothing unless it is associated with good deeds. The Gospel speaks about Christ’s call to discipleship. Everything recedes to background when we say ‘Yes’ to live his call. This call demands us to leave everything that we are attached to including those whom we love dearly like our parents.
This personal call is to grow stronger, sharper, and smarter in Jesus. It recommends carrying one’s cross and living with it joyfully while witnessing to God’s call. The call and our service need to go hand in hand. ‘Faith without work is dead’ Jas 2:17. We are called to facilitate justice, peace, and love to all. Our faith needs to be transmitted through the tenderness of our hearts and in the gentleness of our touch to the needy.
Jesus’s call is universal, not based on any class, caste, etc…This call is nourished by surrendering oneself to the master, which might cause some relationships to break. Yet, it is for the noble cause of serving the least loved in society. May we increase our love for God and to make our life a worthy fragrant offering before the Lord.