Saturday of the 28th Week: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: AM I ASHAMED OF CHRIST?
(Luke 12:8–12)
Best friends usually want the world to know how close they are. Such friends would like to be seen holding hands on the street, taking a walk with one another, speaking, laughing and expressing love for each other in the public.
They love to be introduced to friends and family. They would love to be acknowledged and appreciated in the sight of people.
They support, defend and stand for each other no matter the situation.
Jesus, the Son of man in the Gospel of today, wishes to be acknowledged before men. He wants the world to know how much His friends claim to love and honour Him. He promises to acknowledge such persons before the angels of God. He will not abandon them because they were not ashamed of Him. He will not abandon them because they bore witness for Him. He will not abandon them because they spoke the truth always. He will not abandon them because when the whole world seems to turn their back, they never turned their back on God. They will be acknowledged for praying their Rosary in the bus. They will be recognized for the sign of the cross they made in the football field. They will be acknowledged for standing to pray the Angelus when they hear the bell calling them to pray. They will be blessed on the last day for kneeling in adoration when the Blessed Sacrament is being carried by the priest from one place to the other. Jesus will not take for granted their being the lone voice during the eclipse of justice, and in times of persecution or trial.
They will be acknowledged for the reverence they give to the sacramentals and their sense of the sacred. Their active participation during Eucharistic celebrations and other liturgical functions will not go unnoticed. Their leading movements against oppression and marginalization are occasions of great importance.
These are times we should show God that we are not ashamed of being called by His name.
Dearest friend in Christ, are you ashamed of Christ or proud of Him? Are you ashamed to dress decently? Are you proud of your faith in the Lord? Do you feel somehow to defend your Christian beliefs? Do you make Christ feel ashamed by your behaviours, malpractices etc?
Hear Jesus today and never deny Him for any reason. May the word of God inspire you today and always to be a faithful friend of Christ always and everywhere till the end of your earthly journey.
LET US PRAY
Dear Lord, we are sorry for being ashamed of you who was never ashamed to die naked for love of us on the cross. Give us the grace to always do our little here on earth to reciprocate your love for us that on the last day we may be acknowledged before your angels in heaven through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Saturday (28th Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh