3 October 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections mov

TOPIC: HOW DO YOU CONTINUE PROCLAIMING CHRIST WHEN FACED WITH NON-CHRISTIANS OR THOSE WHO DO NOT EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT FAITH?

First Reading: Zechariah 8: 20-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 87: 1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
Alleluia: Mark 10: 45
Gospel: Luke 9: 51-56

In our gospel today from Luke 9:51-56, it was said that even Jesus was not welcomed in a Samaritan village together with His disciples. But instead of insisting on staying there to push their work, they journeyed to another village. He even rebuked His disciples when they suggested of calling fire from heaven to consume the unwelcoming village. This is a reminder for us to always be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Although many times we are encouraged to persist in whatever we do especially in the work of evangelization, but there are times when we need to become open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We must be aware of our response to such experiences, not to take it against people who does not welcome us or not ready yet to engage us about our Christian faith. St. Ambrose said in Expositio Evangelii, “The Lord does everything in an admirable way. . . He acts in this way to teach us that perfect virtue retains no desire for vengeance, and that where there is true charity there is no room for anger ⏤ in other words, that weakness should not be treated with harshness but should be helped. Indignation should be very far from holy souls, and desire for vengeance very far from great souls”.

There are places or institutions, or some people, coming from various experiences in life and different foundations of faith, who are just not yet ready to accept or even talk about our Christian faith. Led by the example of Christ, let us respect and discern how to continue proclaiming the