Tuesday, September 17, 2013

24th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 18-09-13

1 Tim 3:14-16 / Luke 7:31-35

One of the thorniest issues for authorities and establishments is when a person or a group propagates an opinion or a practice that is against their liking.

Moreover,  it is dangerous to be right in matters when the established authorities are wrong (Voltaire).

It is dangerous both, for the establishment as well as for the person or group.

It is repeatedly mentioned in the gospels that the religious establishment and Jesus were in constant conflict.

The chief priests and scribes and Pharisees had their own interpretation of religion and its practices, which was challenged by Jesus.

The religious establishment tried to make Jesus dance to their tune but He wouldn't and as He said of them in today's gospel: We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn't dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn't cry.

And when Jesus and John the Baptist didn't conform, the religious establishment labelled them as "possessed" and "glutton and drunkard".

Yes, it is dangerous to be right in matters when the establishment is wrong.

As we heard in the 1st reading, Jesus came to bring us together as God's family and to establish the Church of the living God which upholds the truth and keeps it safe.

So we ought to live and behave as people of the truth. But if we don't and others point it out to us, what will be our response?

May the Spirit of Wisdom guide us to do the right thing and to live in the truth.