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 21^ST SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: IN JESUS' NAME, YET...

(Luke 13:22-30)

Today, Jesus presents us with the surprises of the last day. This is a warning to us and should serve as a guide to us in our Christian living.

 We are called to be aware of where we came from, where we are and where we are going to.

The above awareness will merit us enjoyment of the salvation brought by our Lord Jesus Christ.  We shall no longer worry if many or few will be saved, but try as individuals to get in ourselves and not derail.

Be that as it may, those called by the Lord's name, confuse God by making Him ask if these are really from Him or not. Are you bearing God's name and without representing Him well? Have you moved out using the name of your God to deceive people? Are you not confusing God by the type of life you are living? 

We should be marked out by godliness; it doesn't matter where we are. But are we known by God? Are our activities approved by Him? Do we allow Him to direct us? Is His Spirit operating in us? If so, He will acknowledge us on the last day for the good name, but if not... the Holy name of God cannot be dishonoured.  Hence the reply: "I do not know where you are coming from". God forbid!

 

BUT WHERE ARE YOU COMING FROM?

When people mention the name of their father in traditional Igbo setting, they are looked upon to see a resemblance of their Father in them, maybe by the way they speak, act or react to issues. When you represent well you will hear assertions as: You are a true son of your father, "Nna gi muru gi".

When on the other hand you misbehave, people wonder where you came from. Are you sure You are the Son of Okonkwo? It is not what you say that makes people to conclude about where you are coming from but what you do. In the sight of God too, how we live tell where we are coming from. Thus, the word of God says: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

We should always be ambassadors of Christ. But unfortunately, we have most of the time used the name of the Lord as a cover up for evil. May God forgive us.

 

MY NAME? I STILL DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU'RE FROM

This is coming from a sad, disappointed and heartbroken Father. You went wearing a white garment which I your father sew for you but where are you coming from dressed like a harlot? You went out without my permission where did you go to? I created you as a man why did you make yourself a woman? You went out with a talent I gave you but where are you coming from? You started well, what happened? You entered that political position as a Christian but under your watch Christians and Christian principles suffered the worst persecution. You have deceived all but you can't deceive your God.

Let us not forget we are responsible and answerable for what we are doing with the opportunity God has given to us. We can't really stand to answer, our actions should. When we fail to present the necessary credentials, then we will be forced to start giving excuses.

 

WONDERFUL EXCUSES

The Lord gives us opportunity today to amend our ways now instead of giving excuses when it is late. He is calling on us not to lose our identity in the world.  He wants us to know that the day of reckoning awaits each one of us. He wants us to keep God and His will ever in mind so as not to stammer on the last day: 'But it is in your name that we did XYZ'.

This is the usual way man takes issues back to God. There will be no room for that when it is late.

Adam gave his excuse, it was Eve, the woman you gave me; meaning that God was responsible, it was in His name that he did what he did. Cain, but am I my brother's keeper; meaning that God never commanded him to be his brother's keeper. Saul, that was told to kill all, when confronted said he brought back those animals in the name of God to sacrifice to Him. The New Testament Saul as well claimed he was fighting for God till he was arrested.

Some people of the third world nations who travel to developed countries in the name and permission of their countries end up most of the time committing crimes and blame it on the poor condition of their homelands.  Yet others from those countries make their fatherland proud by standing out positively.

The word of God arrests you today to evaluate what you do with your life here on earth now. It is a call on us to stop deceiving ourselves thinking we can deceive God. It is a reminder that the name of the Lord is sacred. Thus, we should stop living questionable lives that would make people ask where we are coming from and make God wonder if actually we are those called by His name at Baptism, His children and those who should inherit His kingdom.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Almighty and merciful God, we call upon you. Help us to live as your true sons and daughters in this world.  May we not dishonour Your Holy Name. May we not lose focus of where we came from and where we are going to. May we live as true Christians bearing testimonies for You wherever we find ourselves. May we be welcomed and not sent out from Your presence. Bless and keep us in Your Name that we may be one with You in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

Happy Sunday (21st Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev. Fr. Julian O. Ekeh