THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of 26^th week in Ordinary Time, 2021

Zech 8:20-23

Ps 87

Luke 9:51-56

Do you want us

Our first reading (Zechariah 8:20-23) is God’s promise and revelation of what the restored Jerusalem will be to all peoples. It’s glory coming forth from the presence of God, among his people will go beyond just a tourist attraction to a religious wonder by which other people will want to experience the God of Israel. “Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities…saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favour of the Lord…’” The hope given by this prophecy goes beyond the immediate to the coming of the new age. As the prophet sees it, “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” 

The gospel (Luke 9:51-56) presents the reaction of some of the disciples of Jesus to their rejection in a village of the Samaritans. Because of the animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans, they will not allow Jesus and his disciples, to pass through their place because they were going to Jerusalem. James and John said to Jesus, “Lord do you want us bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?” They were yet to internalise the message of yesterday’s gospel, in which Jesus taught them, with the example of a little child on who the greatest in the kingdom is. They would rather want to show their importance by the use of their power. As human beings, we become impatient sometimes, with those who do not see things our way. We want all those around us to think like us and see through our eyes. We can get upset when that does not happen at the time we want it. We cannot however preach the good news with force and violence. Jesus rebuked them and took another route. Those who do not accept your message today, will someday celebrate you. Patience is necessary in the work of the gospel.

Let us pray: O God, save us in your name. Do not allow us to be tempted beyond we can bear. Keep us save in your love. Amen. 

+Remain blessed