22nd Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Friday 6th September 2024

The earlier chapter of Paul’s first epistle to the Church in Corinth is about their lack of unity. He heard the apparent cliques among them, in which some said that they belonged to Apollos and some to Paul. To dispel such a divisive mindset, he encouraged the people to consider that they were all servants of Christ and not of anyone else. As servants of God, the people needed to be trustworthy and unified. Paul was being judged by the people, but he declared that only God’s judgement would affect him, for the Lord would come and bring light to all. May we also be concerned about whether we are following God’s will to bring unity or sow division.

In the Gospel, Jesus was at a banquet at Levi’s house. At this celebration, the Pharisees and scribes questioned why Jesus and His disciples were eating with sinners (tax collectors). Jesus pointed out that the meal was a celebration – sinners had repented and therefore, there was no need to fast at that time. Explaining further, Jesus likened Himself to a bridegroom, and this was a time for new beginnings – new wineskins for new wine. Faith in Jesus does bring a new beginning to our lives. Every occasion is an opportunity for conversion to experience God’s attention towards us. Then we see things differently – as God wants us to see them.

Lord, empower me to serve wholeheartedly without favouring associates, and help me to see people and situations anew with Your eyes and heart.