Readings: Sir 44:1.10-15
Ps 15:2-3a.3bc-4ab
Luke 6:27-38
Dear friends, each and every person is always just in
his own way. Perhaps while administering justice in our own way, we have found
ourselves applying a tit for tat rule thereby returning evil for evil. We might
have acted rough to conceal our weakness from others. We find ourselves
convinced that our success relies on our strength and anything that threatens
us in any way leads to insecurity. However, the readings we have heard this
morning convey the contrary!
In the First Reading, Ben Sira wants Israel’s heroes
kept alive in the memory of their descendants. He wants to eulogize people who
are still remembered in his time. The idea of continuity and survival is
essential in this perspective. Many have perished as if they had never existed.
Others have survived because of their reputation. The people spoken about to be
remembered are probably those who exhibited simplicity in their way of life and
managed to touch people's lives. This challenges me to examine my life and think
of the contributions I make to the people I encounter in my everyday
endeavors and those whom I live with. How do I interact with them? Is there
anything that I am doing to touch their lives, and could there be anything that
I can be remembered for doing?
Moreover, the Gospel portrays the manner in which we
can create this memory on others. It notes that it is simply by doing good to
those who do bad to us and not to reciprocate evil for evil. The mean tends to
reach climax through the golden rule “Do to others as you would have them do to
you” (Luke 6:31).
Similarly, CMF Constitutions seems to have understood
this and notes on issues that could cause controversies in relations among
brothers. It notes that, “Our speech should always be humble and charitable.
Avoiding whatever might wound friendship, we should refrain from sowing
discord, from quarrelling among ourselves or grumbling about anything”. And
adds that, “Even when we cannot excuse others' actions, we should excuse their
intentions, and to be generous toward anyone against whom we may have some
cause for grievance” (c. 16).
Today we celebrate the feast of All the Saints of
Africa, who down through the ages, have followed the Lord with courage, love
and dedication. Many of these saints are unknown to us, while others are
remembered in various countries on account of their exemplary life of
discipleship. Their example and teaching remind us of our call to holiness,
while their intercession makes it possible for us to achieve it, thanks to
God’s grace. The feast we celebrate today is a foretaste of the joy we shall
experience one day in heaven. The Psalmist gives us a clue of such kind of
people by responding to the characteristics entailed by those who may abide in
the Lord’s tent.
Thomas Owino Ooko
IV Year Theology
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