23rd Week in Ordinary Time : Sunday 4th September 2022

The Book of Wisdom does not have a high opinion of human reasoning. It usually gets us into trouble, creates problems, and divides people. Even well-educated people can hold opposing views and be in error.

We are invited to seek the wisdom of God, which is not found in the media or in books. It is a gift of the Spirit of God. Paul appealed to Philemon to accept his runaway slave Onesimus back without punishment. But there was more: he wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ. His whole attitude had to change. Today we are challenged in many ways to change the way we see and treat people who are different in many ways. Love is the answer.

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus set very high standards for discipleship. One had to leave everything – even family and friends – to follow Jesus. He even says to hate your parents, friends, etc., but hate has a different meaning here. It means to have no regard for something – not to be overly concerned.

Although demands are not as severe in our time, the point is still the same: the Lord must always come first in our life. If the Lord is first, the rest of our life will unfold in a spiritually fruitful way. Our relationship with Jesus must be as important as food, water, and breath. He is life itself.

Lord, may You always be first in my life.