2nd Week in Ordinary Time : Sunday 19th January 2020

God’s plans far surpass anything that we can dream or imagine. The redemption of Israel was not enough for God — he planned to send the Suffering Servant to redeem the nations too. Often our God is ‘too small’ — we put God in a box and think that we understand God’s ways. We should rejoice at the grandeur of God’s mercy and compassion for humanity rather than feel resentful or defensive. God is everyone’s God, whether they are aware of it or even accept it.

Paul addressed his letter to those who were being sanctified in the Corinthian community. Sanctity was not a personal achievement or possession, but something that the Spirit did to those who were ‘in Christ’. It is the holiness and power of Christ not our own that transforms us. Let us open our hearts and minds wider for God’s Spirit.

What is the sin of the world? In the Gospel of John, it is ignorance of God, especially in those who claim to know God! People say all sorts of things about God, but most of the time, it is either false or distorted, because they don’t know God personally. Jesus takes away that sin by granting us access to God and inviting us to share the life of the Holy Trinity. There is a condition — we must be willing to accept it, and to let go of our ideas, opinions, and way of doing things. It is up to us! We can begin this very day.

Lord, transform my heart and mind.