Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Romans 6:19-23; Luke 12:49-53)
Jesus speaks of setting the world ablaze as if he were General
Sherman on his march to the sea. But he
does not wish to harm anything except the evil that intoxicates human
desire. When this is done, humans will
be able to love as God loves.
The human desire for what is lasting and all-satisfying is
very often amalgamated with corrupt inclinations. Instead of seeking the eternal good, people
crave power, pleasure, and prestige to quench their thirst for fulfillment. But God is not found in self-aggrandizement. Rather He is present in the offering of self
in love for others. Jesus will demonstrate
this self-sacrificing love in his “baptism” on the cross.
Burning away the dross of our desires may cause discomfort
and even pain. It is hard to give up
illicit relations or to stop using stereotypes to judge others. But the result is worth any difficulty we
experience. We become freer people with
a more intimate relationship with our Creator and Redeemer. The relationship will bring us the glory of
eternal life.
No comments:
Post a Comment