Let God's Word be Foundation of LIfe!
24th week Thursday in Ordinary
Time
Year One
1 Tim
4:12-16
Let God's Word be Foundation of Life!
Paul
acknowledges that others might look down on Timothy because of his youth, but
he doesn’t tell him to argue for his authority he tells him to earn it through
his example. It's not about age, but about character. Your speech, conduct,
love, faith, and purity can speak louder than your résumé or title. This is a
call to integrity and authenticity. Timothy is called to centre his life around
God’s Word reading it publicly, exhorting others with it, and teaching it.
These are not passive acts; they require deep study, prayer, and humility. It's
a reminder that God's Word must remain the foundation of both personal and
communal life.
Spiritual
gifts are entrusted, not earned and neglecting them dishonours both the Giver
and those we’re meant to serve. Timothy's calling was affirmed publicly and
spiritually; now he must nurture and develop that gift. Likewise, we’re each
given gifts that require our intentional effort. “Let all see your progress” not your perfection. Paul encourages Timothy
to grow visibly. This is incredibly freeing: God doesn’t demand that we have it
all together, but that we press on, allowing others to witness our growth and
transformation.
Are we
ware of our beliefs, which affect our life?
Year Two
1 Cor 15:1-11
Use Your Gifts for the Community.
St Paul tells us and the
community of Corinthians that he has come to preach to them the gospel. Faith
in the gospel one is save us. He recounts the way he received the gospel. “For
what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for
our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on
the third day according to the Scriptures,
and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he
appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same
time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he
appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me
also…”(1 Cor 15:3-8).
He says that he was not worthy to
be called Apostle. He worked hard for the gospel. He says the grace of God was
upon him. It was this grace that led him to do what he did. We know how much St
Paul did for the building of the church. He used his strength of the body and
intelligence to build Christian communities with knowledge that is acceptable
to the learned and ignorant. Whatever may be our story of life let us work for
the Kingdom of God.
Do we utilize our gifts of nature
and grace for the Kingdom of God?
The woman in the scripute had a reputation. Everyone in that room knew
her sin but it’s her boldness and brokenness that bring her to Jesus. She
doesn't speak a word, yet her actions shout repentance and love. She risks
shame and rejection to fall at Jesus’ feet. And Jesus doesn’t reject her. He
receives her, defends her, and restores her. This is radical grace. Simon the
Pharisee is a contrast to the woman. Though outwardly "righteous,"
his heart is cold and judgmental. He offers Jesus no water for His feet, no
kiss of greeting, no oil, common acts of hospitality in that culture. In
contrast, the woman gives everything she has. The message is clear: religion
without love is empty. Knowing Scripture or hosting Jesus isn't the same as
truly honouring Him with your heart.
This line cuts deep. Jesus isn’t saying some people need
less forgiveness; He’s revealing how some people are less aware of their need
for it. The woman’s overflowing love comes from knowing how deeply she’s been
forgiven. If we feel spiritually dry or distant, maybe it’s because we’ve lost
sight of how much we’ve been forgiven. The woman doesn’t speak of her faith she
shows it. Her tears, her perfume, her posture all of it is an act of worship.
This is what real repentance looks like: not shame that hides, but brokenness
that comes to Jesus. And Jesus honours it: “Your faith has saved you.” It
wasn’t her good deeds or emotional display, it was her faith, expressed through
surrendered love.
Do we have genuine love for Jesus?
Fr Putti Anthaiah Sdb
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