Be not Ashamed of Gospel

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Tuesday of 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, October 12th, 2021
Texts: Rom. 1:16-25; Ps. 19:2-5; Luke 11:37-41
St. Paul tells us, today, why he was not ashamed of the gospel: "it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." In his words, St. Paul shows that the fact that the gospel is the power of God for salvation is evident to everyone who has faith. He objectifies the fact that  the gospel is the power of God: he does not say the gospel is power of God to me, but to everyone who has faith. This means that the gospel is the power of God is nothing but reality, truth, and experience of everyone who has faith. This means it is the lack of faith that makes one to be ashamed of the gospel and not to experience it as the power of God for salvation. This tells us that if we are yet to experience the gospel as the power of God for salvation, it is because we lack faith. This also goes with those who are ashamed of the gospel: it is because they lack faith. It also means that it is by faith that the gospel makes meaning to us.
The power of God that is experienced in the gospel is the righteousness of God. Hence, he adds: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith." The righteousness of God, here, is the good pleasure of God that makes Him overlook man's iniquities and which reveals His goodness, merciful love and faithfulness (Rm. 3:25-26). God, by His righteousness, pardons our iniquities, makes us pleasing to Him and so rescues us from His wrath. This is clear  in the words of St. Paul: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth." God sets us free from wickedness and ungodliness because He is righteous and holy. This truth is revealed in the gospel and acquired by faith.
Jesus Christ, in today's gospel reading, invites us to focus on the transformation of our inner life, which is the purity of heart. He says, "But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.” When the heart is pure the action will be good.  St. Paul says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rm. 12:2). The focus should be on the renewal of our minds, rather than external rituals.

God our Father, inflame our hearts with the love of your gospel and bestow the zeal to live according to the gospel. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke