We are called to the life of grace

 

Life of grace is such that is beyond human capacity; it is made possible by God’s power.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 11th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, June 19th, 2023
Texts: 2 Corinthians 6: 1- 10; Psalm 98: 1-4; Matthew 5:38-42 

Today we are called to the life of grace. Hence, Apostle Paul says, “Working together with Christ, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain.” Life of grace is such that is beyond human capacity; it is made possible by God’s power. It is a kind of life that requires courage and love to live it. 

Jesus calls us to life of grace when He says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”. This is a call to live above the standard of the flesh. Hence, He adds, “and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” 

We see in Apostle Paul and his co-ministers the example of life of grace. By the word, ‘we commend ourselves’, he means their life remains the living proof of their message. Their message is this: “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” They lived the life that fulfil the requirements for salvation, showing it was the acceptable time, the day of salvation.  

We commend ourselves to you in all ways

Paul and his co-ministers became living proof of endurance in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labours, watching, hunger. They lived by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, holiness, genuine love, truthful speech, and God’s power. They lived righteously, prepared for honour or disgrace, for blame or praise. With this they proved that the time was acceptable time, the day of salvation.  

This calls us to prove by our life that this is the acceptable time, the day of salvation. There should be no procrastination of good deeds. We should not postpone the day of our salvation, it is always now. We should fulfil in our life what it takes to be saved: endurance in trying time, purity, knowledge, kindness, holiness, genuine love, truthful speech, God’s power, righteous living, disregard for honour or dishonour.  

 Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, may Your grace never be futile in life; may we bear the bountiful fruits of Your grace in us; help us to be testimony of the power of Your resurrection. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke