27 June, Thursday — To follow or to fall

Jun 27 – Memorial for St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and Doctor of the Church

Cyril (376–444) was the nephew of Theophilus the Patriarch. He was a monk and a priest who became Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt in 412, and later the Patriarch of Alexandria. He suppressed the Novatians. He worked at the Council of Ephesus. He fought against Nestorius who taught the heresy that there were two persons in Christ.

He was a catechetical writer, and wrote a book opposing Julian the Apostate. He is a Greek Father of the Church, and is a Doctor of the Church.

• Patron Saint Index

2 Kg 24:8-17
Mt 7:21-29

“…and what a fall it had!”

Today’s readings see the fall of the kingdom of Judah and the house built on sand. The message, at first glance, seems rather depressing; but I feel there is an important theme in these two readings — the need to ground ourselves in Christ, the foundation stone.

It is very tempting to believe that the progress and achievements which we have gained up to the present moment are due to our own capabilities. This illusion is shattered in the first reading when we see that the men of skill and strength were sent to exile. This is a message to the kingdom of Judah — that their trust in the things of the world was misplaced. They were set up to be a theocracy — one where it was God who guided and protected them. Some have asked why exile was chosen as a method, given the long-lasting consequences. Consequences emerge from the choice of a person’s actions and in this case, the kingdom of Judah had chosen to abandon God. This lesson is instructive for us as Christians.

I have found that every time I deviate from the path which Christ has asked me to follow, it often leads to a tremendous amount of grief, both spiritually and emotionally. This is because the way of Christ is the correct way, even though we may not agree with it. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that it is only when I do the will of the Father, will entry to Heaven be possible. This is not something which is easy to do on a consistent basis; but, it is in the process of trying and doing which makes the Christian journey meaningful.

We do not have to journey alone in this path. We can turn to the community which we belong to or through prayer, to ask God to show us the path which is meant for us; and that we stay faithful to this path, regardless of the struggles that it brings.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)

Prayer: Jesus, help me to see that your way is the way of Life and allow me to surrender my will to you.

Thanksgiving: We give thanks for those who spread the faith.