By Akhsi Wary, CSC –
Readings: Rom 3:21-30; Lk 11:47-52
Today we see in the gospel reading Jesus challenging the authorities of the time. Jesus is always frank and direct when it comes to dealing with higher authority. He is not afraid to tell the truth. He points out the mistakes and tells them openly and directly in public so that other people also might hear and learn. The intention of Jesus is to correct everyone who needs to be corrected whether powerful or powerless.
His corrections and challenge to authority in public was also for his listeners who were unmoved by the rules and regulations though they saw the situation that was existing. He teaches everyone equally and expects everyone to benefit from it.
The challenge that Jesus is giving us today is to focus on a life that is truthful, helpful and confident to challenge the false leaders. Sometimes we are content to live life selfishly and enjoy life as much as possible through fair or unfair means. ‘I don’t poke others, so other shouldn’t poke me,’ that is what some think their life is. But today Jesus wants something different from us.
He wants our help, our love, our care and concern to extend his unconditional love to people who are depressed and less privileged and to stand courageously with them in times of their difficulties. He wants us to see the truth when others don’t see, to speak the truth when others don’t speak and finally to live the truth when others don’t.