Reflection on Today's Readings, Wednesday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, February 3rd, 2021
Texts: Heb. 12:4-7.11-15; Ps. 103:1-2.13-14.17-18; Mark 6:1-6
Today's first reading brings to mind the words of St. James: "My brothers, consider it a great joy when trials of many kinds come upon you, for you well know that the testing of your faith produces Perseverance, and Perseverance must complete its work so that you will become fully developed, complete, not deficient in any way" (1:2-4). Not all suffering is bad or dehumanizing. There are some sufferings that are humanizing because they build us up, they make us fully grown and developed, lacking nothing. St. Peter identifies such sufferings as ones we endure for Christ's sake. He says, "My dear friends, do not be taken aback at the testing by fire which is taking place among you, as though something strange were happening to you; but in so as you share in the suffering of Christ, be glad, so that you may enjoy a much greater gladness when his glory is revealed" (1Pet. 4:12-13).
Today's first reading tells us that such sufferings are the ones we encounter in our struggle with sin. It puts it thus: "Brethren: In your struggle with sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? - "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him." Such suffering we encounter in our struggle against sin is allowed by God. Hence, St. Peter says, "And if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong" (1Pet. 3:17). God allows such suffering out of love for us. In today's first reading it is said, "For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he loves."
Such suffering is for our good; it always turns to favour us. The reading says, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." We are to see it as a disciplines. Hence, it is said, "It is for discipline that you have to endure." It is a kind of suffering that worths it, for it leads to wholeness, joy and peace.
Some people are miserable, today, just because of the discipline they had rejected in the past. Rejection of discipline is a rejection of value; it is by discipline we add value to our lives. Whoever wants to add value to his life should discipline his/herself. Discipline is a lifelong project, it does not end until death comes.
The people of Jesus' country, in today's gospel reading, could not discipline themselves so as to keep contempt and familiarity abate, they allowed contempt and familiarity to rub them of salvation; healing to the sick, deliverance to the possessed, freedom to captives, knowledge to the ignorant, light to those who were in darkness, etc. It is said, "And he could do no mighty work there, except he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief." Because they lack discipline to keep their contempt and familiarity abate, they were rubbed of faith and consequently values. Let us all appreciate the lot that falls to us. Let us take our hearts off suffering and difficulties, and fix them on God's love and mercy.
God our Father, help us to accept your lots for us that we may attain wholeness, joy and peace. Amen.
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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