Tuesday of Week 22 in Ordinary Time
1 Cor 2:10-16
Lk 4:31-37
“Now, the Spirit we have received… is God’s own Spirit, so that we may understand the lavish gifts God has given us.”
In yesterday’s readings, we read of the mission of Christ, which Christ also invites all of us to join in. To spread the good news to all, proclaim liberty to the captives, give sight to the blind, set prisoners free and much more. Not just taking those literally, Christ is inviting us to bring hope to those in despair, to be forgiving, giving a second chance, to be the senses to those without them, to be the support and life to those who need them. To see all as children of God, to see all equally and to love all unconditionally.
Even as I’m typing this now, it all seems so airy fairy, like it just sounds good and sounds right. It’s just too high a standard for many of us that we don’t bother trying.
In today’s readings, we read of how our God isn’t a God that speaks and expects us to live it out. Sometimes we even tell ourselves that, Jesus was able to live the life he did because He’s God, therefore, he would have a greater capacity for forgiveness, love and to endure the hardships. We are not God; therefore, I don’t think we are able to live that kind of life.
Our God, in fact, provides much for the journey he desires for us and he will ensure that we are well- equipped. There’s a phrase saying, “God doesn’t call the qualified but He qualifies those He calls.” Indeed, our God is a God who only wants the best for us.
It is then, in this knowing, that we need to recognise in ourselves, the gifts and talents that he has blessed us with. The things that we do, that will bring us life and also give life to others around us. We all have different gifts and talents but the one same mission. Therefore, it isn’t about comparing how ‘ineffective’ or ‘inadequate’ we are, but to find our calling in our service to the community and to the world.
It is with this conviction and the intention to carry out our mission, that we become his disciples, living a life of hope, mercy and love. It is not how much recognition we get but being able to recognise Christ working through us and in our world today. It’s not about how good we are but how great God is. Amen.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Benjamin Mao)
Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for a renewing of our spirit, a stirring in our hearts. For us to be aware of our passion and gifts. Help us to use our gifts for your people, glorifying you and being a gift to others. Help us to have the humility to believe that what you desire for us is far greater and precious than what we could ever want for ourselves. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for watching over us and protecting us all this time, we know without you, we couldn’t have made it this far. Thank you for all the gifts and blessings that you have bestowed on us. Thank you for choosing us even when we didn’t choose you. I love you Lord.
OXYGEN 
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