Be the Change

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Friday, 23th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, September 11th, 2020

Texts:1Cor. 9:16-19.22-27; Ps. 84:3-6.12; Luke 6:39-42

The mistake we often make most of the time is that we want the outside world to change while we pay little or no attention to changing ourselves.  We are quick to bring out others' faults and puts blame on them. Today, Jesus calls us to work on ourselves. He says, "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye". If we do not change ourselves individually first, we will not succeed in changing others.

Today's first reading gives us St. Paul as an example of a person who changed himself to change the world. St. Paul, in the first reading, says, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some". When we begin the change with ourselves, we will share from the benefits of the change. Hence, Paul adds, "I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Paul asks us to imbibe virtue of self-discipline. Change and achievement begin with self-discipline. St. Paul says, "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things". Just like athletes, we are to exercise self-control to save ourselves and others.

Lord Jesus Christ, give us the courage to discipline ourselves that we might be able to change ourselves and the world around through your gospel. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke