Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 7, 24-30
When the messengers of John the Baptist had left,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.
“What did you go out to the desert to see a reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine garments?
Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously
are found in royal palaces.
Then what did you go out to see?
A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom Scripture says:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
he will prepare your way before you.
I tell you,
among those born of women, no one is greater than John;
yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”
(All the people who listened, including the tax collectors,
who were baptized with the baptism of John,
acknowledged the righteousness of God;
but the Pharisees and scholars of the law,
who were not baptized by him,
rejected the plan of God for themselves.)
Nobody’s life is easy
1. Nobody is a prophet in their own land. How many things come to mind with this sentence! As an example, taking the gospel to your family or loved ones is hard, because they may take you as a fundamentalist or a fanatic. They might judge you on your mistakes and tell you what you do wrong. Being a Catholic you must remember that you are a prophet, and this is a divine vocation that we are all given. Christianity is a vocation and a calling for all of us.
2. Elijah’s situation. There are times when we can’t stop looking at others and what they have rather than looking at the gifts we have. It is important to value what you have and stop wanting what others have. You have many riches, but you’d rather look elsewhere than within yourself.
3. They pushed him. There are times when we do not like what people have to say of us because we believe they are our enemies or that they are out to get us. This is the wrong perspective. Remember, as Christians, we must correct one another in a constructive way, to grow as human beings. God never leaves us alone, but it is up to us to grow daily.
God bless you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
And remember, Heaven is our goal!
