OPENING OUR HEART TO JESUS ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Daily Reflections

Wednesday, 20^thSeptember 2017.

Twenty fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Sts. Andrew Kim, Paul Chong and Companions, Martyrs

1 Tim 3: 14-16;

Ps 110: 1-6;

Lk 7: 31-35.

OPENING OUR HEART TO JESUS

“To what shall I compare the men of this generation?” If Jesus were to ask the same question today. How would he describe us? Are we like the spoilt children, who wouldn’t dance at the music, or who wouldn’t cry at a funeral song? The readings of today demand us to be in tune with the call of the Lord, to evaluate and fine-tune ourselves and our activities, in order to be truly members of God’s Kingdom.

Paul in his letter advices on “how to behave in the household of God.” He reminds the believers, that they are members of the household of the living God, manifested by Jesus, and proclaimed to the world. He presents the small and beautiful creed, which was the symbol of early Christians. This creed succinctly and comprehensively revealed the qualities and deeds of Jesus, and the plan of God for mankind through Jesus.

In the Gospel, the self-righteous Pharisees are compared to spoilt children. Just like one cannot enter a room which has its door locked. So also, Jesus could not enter the hearts of the Pharisees, as they had decided not to believe. Both Jesus and John were rejected by the Pharisees. The Gospel ends with the words: "Whoever has ears ought to hear," invoking a response from us to listen ardently to the call of Jesus.

“Children who sit in the marketplace” evoke images of people busy at Malls, Coffee Shops on their electronic devices, tapping away, oblivious to all that is going on around them. Our life too is full of shallow distractions. We no more awaken to the birds chirping, no more enjoy an evening breeze, and no more are able to sit in quiet prayer, since we are busy with things which are not priorities. Self-complacency blocks us from seeking the transcendent.

Let us reflect, if our lives have been attentive to listen to Jesus. Have I been attentive to myself? Am I aware of God’s working in my life? If not, consider to bring changes that will make us worthy and active in working for the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord, May I open my hear to receive You. May I open my eyes to see You. May I open my hears to listen to your voice calling me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.