REFLECTIONS TODAY

Sometimes, to get to the message of Jesus, we do not just take his words at their plain meaning but as words said with humor with an acid touch. For example, what does his advice about being brought before a magistrate mean? Here is a picture of a clear miscarriage of justice familiar to Jesus’ original hearers. They knew that the last penny was exacted of “small” people even though the offense was minor or the accusation was unjust. 

So what Jesus seems to be advocating is a clever deal or even a bribe. Pay off your accuser or arrange it with him somehow. Translated to the language of today, it may be cheaper to pay the police officer than to pay the corrupt judge, so why not try? Of course, Jesus says this not without sarcasm, but the disciples, the children of light, can always learn from the children of this world who are more prudent in dealing with their own generation (Lk 16:8). Jesus tells us that when working for the Kingdom of God, we should be simple as a dove but clever as a serpent. Are we able to combine uprightness and cleverness?
 

First Reading • Rom 7:18-25a

Brothers and sisters: I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. 
For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gospel • Luke 12:54-59 

Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain—and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot— and so it is. 

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. 

I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.