20th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Wednesday 18th August 2021

For the Jews, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, was the only king. Their God chose to rule over them through the prophets. But the Jews, corrupted by the practices of their neighbouring gentiles, ask for a king of their own. Spiritual laziness makes us forget who we are, makes us blind to our uniqueness and makes us get lost in the world’s confusions. Jews were not an exception, neither will we be an exception if we lose sight of the divine.

While studying the scriptures, we are all urged to view the world with God’s optics – to look at the world as God would look at it. Gandhi would say, ‘when you are making a rule for India, think what it would mean for the last and the least Indian’. Our God permitted Jesus to be born in a lowly manger. We, as God’s children, are called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

Lord, in Your strength, the king is glad. Though You knew that the Jews’ demand for a king was not Your will, You conceded. Have mercy on us, Lord, when we fail to see the world from Your perspective. Gently bring us back to track when we fail. Please don’t lose hope in us, Lord. Amen