We are to appreciate the grace of God

 

We deny God's help when we refuse to help.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Thursday of 14th Week in Ordinary Time, July 13th, 2023
Texts: Genesis 44:18-21.23b-29; 45:1-5; Psalm105:16-21; Matthew 10:7-15

We learn from today’s readings that  if we appreciate the grace of God we will live a beautiful life. The first reading is about the revelation of Joseph to his brothers and his forgiveness of his brothers. Joseph was able to let go because he recognised the grace of God in his life. He says, "And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” We are to appreciate the grace of God always.

Appreciation of God's grace is key to our existence as Christians. St. Paul says, "Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive" (Col. 3:13). St. John says, "we love because he first loved us" (1John 4:19). We are able to help others because we have received help from God (2Cor. 1:4). Refusal to forgive is a denial of God’s grace, His forgiveness of our sins. Refusal to love is a denial of God's grace, the fact that God loved us even when we were sinners. We deny God's help when we refuse to help.

God's love for us obliges us to love ourselves

God's forgiveness of our sins obliges us to forgive others. God's love for us obliges us to love ourselves. The help God gives us obliges us to help others. We only keep malice, harbour grudges and hatred because we fail to appreciate the grace of God. A person who appreciates the grace of God will not keep malice, bear grudges or hates. He will love God and keeps His commandments.

Today’s gospel reading also underscores the appreciation of God’s grace. Jesus said to His apostles thus: "You received without pay, give without pay". They were to give free of charge because it was the grace of God. The people are also called to appreciate the grace of God by being charitable to the heralds of the gospel. 

There is also a consequence when we do not appreciate the grace of God. This is clear in today’s gospel reading: "And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you." We forfeit peace when we do not appreciate the grace of God. 

Prayer

We thank You, God, for Your grace upon us, grant that we may be aware of Your grace in our lives and appreciate it daily. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke