Reading and meditation on the Word of God, Tuesday of the 12th week in ordinary time
June 22, 2021
Reading is delivered by Jane Valerie Untung from Saint Luke Church, and meditation delivered by Ryan Ko from Saint John Bosco Church in Jakarta, Indonesia
The reading is taken from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The theme for our meditation today is: Sincerity Needs Justice. In a particular meeting with the people from one of the basic communities of a local parish, the parish priest was having a strong debate with some of his parishioners. That pastor started his remarks by giving advice on the importance of listening to each other before giving opinion and judgment about things or certain persons. Then the opportunity given to the floor to give comments or clarifications regarding the matter. But someone came up with accusation that he knew for sure some of the believers who always spread suspicion and fake messages regarding the life in the parish and neighborhood. The parish priest was also among those suspected and accused.
There was a young man who was until that moment still silent took his chance to speak. He totally disagreed with any form of accusation. He spoke openly to all present that everyone should be guided by the truth as Christians should do. He said that if the priest or anyone else who do not want to be accused, he must be the first not accusing others. He remembered well in one of the homilies at the church, when the pastor openly said that he suspected identity of some parishioners who always brought trouble to the parish by spreading untrue accusations and various fake messages.
That strong debate is for us to reflect what the Gospel of Matthew today reveals. It says in this way: Whatever you want people do to you, do the same to them. We can also put this statement parallel to Jesus Christ’s teaching about love that says, we like to be loved by others as we love them. Then Saint Francis of Assisi offers us his famous spiritual legacy of the song of love. It goes like this: in order to be understood, you must understand, to be loved, then love, to be helped, then help.
This is not a teaching about reciprocating goodness. In fact this is actually sincerity. Our lives will become meaningful, if we can share from ourselves to others, especially those around us. For example, we greet or smile to our brothers and sisters we meet every day. This is part of being sincere. Treating others in a reasonable and humane manner will automatically result in the good that others do to us. I have done good to my brothers and sisters, as well as when I am in trouble and in need, they will help me. This reflects the sense of justice in my life and that of my brothers and sisters.
If our sincerity always goes together with justice, then we are indeed creating a peaceful and comfortable life together as God wants from us.
Let’s pray. In the name of the Father… O most loving Jesus, fill us with the spirit of Your selfless love so that we may become true sharers of Your Love. Hail Mary full of grace… In the name of the Father…