REFLECTION FOR THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

"For the sake of the joy which lay before Him, He endured the cross, heedless of its shame. He has taken His seat at the right of the throne of God. Remember how He endured the opposition of sinners; hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle. In your fight against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood" (Heb. 12: 2-4). This is the summary of the readings of this 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. 

   The first reading (Jer. 38: 4-6, 8-10), presents the evil plot against the prophet for speaking the truth, but in it, the Lord delivered him. He couldn't resist the truth because it burns in him like fire (Jer. 20: 9). 

   Jesus, the Truth, the Way, and the Life says in the gospel (Luke 12: 49-53), that He has come to bring fire; division not peace. Faithful to the teaching of Christ will pitch us against the trending waves of earthly priorities. Our steadfastness will surely give us victory, peace and eternal joy. 

   Dear friends, the essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ- the Son of God and Saviour of the world. When we stand for the Truth of the gospel, it may come in conflict with the norms of the society or even interfere in our relationships because of values. In a world of lies, the truth and those who speak it are rejected. Is the fire of Truth and Justice burning in my heart enough as to withstand rejection? 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we may be filled with the fire of God's love, be consumed and transformed by it so as to desire nothing more than life with God. May the Truth set us free from the slavery of sin and death, and gift us with peace, joy and happiness in all spheres of life. Have a Happy and Truth-full Sunday!