TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
18th August 2019.
JER 38:4-6, 8-10; HEB 12:1-4; LK 12:49-53.
Today’s readings remind us that the demands of the Christian life make one to swim against the currents of the society. The Christian acts in a certain that is often contrary to popular demands. The responsibility to stand up to the test is often elusive to the Christian. Jesus Christ reaffirms that his mission to save will bring division rather than peace.
Jeremiah was cast into the muddy cistern because of his preference to tell the people the mind of God rather than what they wish to hear. The lord saved him through a court official, Ebed-melech the Cushite. The truth of the gospel will always bring division where there is a mindset contrary to what is good. according to Jesus Christ, ‘…a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three…’ The responsibility of standing by the truth of the gospel will require a support from without. The second reading relies on the heavenly witnesses and the joy which lies in the future. The support to stand up to the challenges will be given to us from above.
Anthony Ekpunobi, CM.