13 January 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections
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TOPIC: DO WE SEEK THE GOOD OF ALL OUR NEIGHBORS AND SHOW THEM MERCY AND KINDNESS?
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First Reading: First Samuel 9: 1-4, 17-19; 10: 1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 21: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Alleluia: Luke 4: 18
Gospel: Mark 2: 13-17
Do we know God's mercy and do we treat our neighbors with mercy? People in Palestine were divided into roughly two groups: the orthodox Jews who rigidly kept the law and all its petty regulations, and the rest who didn't keep all the minute regulations. The orthodox treated the latter like second class citizens. They avoided their company, refused to do business with them, refused to give or receive anything from them, refused to intermarry, and avoided any form of fellowship.
Jesus' association with the latter, especially with tax collectors and sinners, shocked the sensibilities of these orthodox Jews. In calling Matthew to be one of his disciples, Jesus picked one of the unlikeliest of men -- a tax collector who by profession was despised by the Jewish people. When the Pharisees challenged his unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defence was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need.
This is the 1359th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Solphie Confiado as he brings us today's reflection.
All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE
