Seemingly Good Life of the Wicked

 

Ask, and it will be given you.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Thursday of 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, Oct. 12th, 2023
Texts: Malachi 3:13-4:2; Psalm 1: 1-4,6; Luke 11:5-13 

One of the challenges that had confronted many faithful and still confronting many is seemingly good life of the wicked. Such a look of the wicked makes us think that serving God is vain. In the words of prophet Malachi: “You have said, 'It is vain to serve God. What is the good of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the  Lord of hosts? Henceforth we deem the arrogant blessed; evildoers not only prosper but when they put God to the test they escape.’” 

This complaint says something about us that we serve God with the hope of good life. However, do we complain because we do not attain the good? Perhaps, our own understanding of good life does not align with that of God. In that case, we will be oblivious of it, even if we have attained it. We are oblivious of it because of our preoccupation with other affairs. Our preoccupation could deny us the enjoyment of good life we are looking for. 

What God does to the wicked should not bother us

It could also be that we are like Jonah who was angry that God forgave the people of Nineveh. Does that not make us look like sadists? This creates negative energy around us and pollute our souls. That means we are yet to be pure souls. What God does to the wicked should not bother us. He wants to save them as He has saved us. He is being patient and gracious to them as He is to us. 

We learn today that God is always good to the righteous and that there is impending doom for the wicked. We read, "For behold, the day comes, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the  Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.” 

We are to speak with God

All we have to do is to speak with God about our burdens, sorrows and troubles; it is not to turn away from Him. This exhortation is present in the first and gospel readings of today. In words of prophet Malachi: “Then those who feared the  Lord spoke with one another; the  Lord heeded and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the  Lord and thought on his name.” 

Jesus Christ teaches us, in the gospel reading, not to relent in prayer. He says, “I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” He adds, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" 

Prayer 

God our Father, we thank You being good and gracious to us always, You love us and listen us always; may we be content with having You alone and know that we do not make request to You in vain. Amen     

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke