20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 56:1, 6-7
Rm 11:13-15,29-32
Mt 15:21-28
God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.
The passage in today’s second reading in Romans 11:29 speaks about God’s plan for the Israelites and the Gentiles. However, when we interpret this verse generally, it can be applied to the understanding that when God bestows or calls someone in specific ways, His stance remains committed regardless of how circumstances may change. The idea of irrevocability of God’s gifts and callings is rooted in the faithfulness and unchanging nature of God; His reliability and trustworthiness in fulfilling His promises and purposes for His people.
Nonetheless, while God’s gifts and callings are irrevocable, our free will and choices we make play a key role in how we respond to those gifts and callings. We can choose to embrace and use those gifts for God’s purposes, or we can misuse them for selfish benefits. Throughout my faith journey, I could recall countless occasions when I have failed to respond favourably to God’s blessings, only to suffer the guilt and consequences of my actions later on. When we misplace the trust given to us, we damage the relationship we have with others and with God.
I am certain many of us in Singapore would be cognizant with the spate of misconduct in the political scene in recent days. The illicit affairs were highly publicised and the public had a field day with all the media exposés constantly emerging. Many were quick to jump in and opine on those involved; but, before we start decrying the betrayals and misconducts, it will be prudent to reflect on the times we have fallen and how vulnerable we are to temptations. I don’t mean to downplay the severity of the wrongdoings; but these incidents will continue to haunt them and their families for years to come. I used to deride those who got themselves embroiled in illicit affairs, until I found myself involved in one many years ago. It is easy to pour scorn on these relationships as a self-righteous onlooker, but each case is unique on its own and it would be foolhardy to pass judgement on others. Back then, I was naïve enough to think that I could make things right by starting out on a wrong foot. Doesn’t it sound wonderful to offer solace and a solution to another party who is trying to get out of a loveless marriage? But not all that seems good comes from God. For the record, God would never approve of an action that goes against His commandments. Without much discernment, I ended up in a relationship which only led to tatters, hurt and guilt for years down the road.
Fortunately, God is faithful even when we fall under the pressure of sin. The love of God eventually led to the parting of ways and that opened the doors to a huge relief from burden and remorse. It took a long time for me to come to terms with what I had committed, and much more to get back onto the path which God had planned. Thankfully, I am now happily engaged to a wonderful and God-loving partner. Even when we feel unforgivable and irredeemable, God’s steadfast love towards us through Jesus will somehow find its way into our hearts. His love is everlasting and unwavering; it is only up to us to embrace that relationship and count our blessings in order to glorify him.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Dylan Tan)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your precious gifts, our time and our talents. Help us to hear and be obedient to your call in our lives. Fill us with your goodness, and let your light shine in us. Wash us of all unrighteousness. Make us new and let my every step, every word, every thought be guided by You. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Lord Jesus, we are grateful for all that you have done for us and for your unwavering love and grace. Thank you for always being with us to guide us through the darkness moments in our lives. Let us place our trust completely and surrender our lives to you. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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