FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Also Read: Mass Readings for 30 January 2022
First Reading: Jeremiah 1: 4-5, 17-19
For I am with you!
They will fight against you; but they will not prevail against you, for I am with you says the Lord, to deliver you. (19)
Mystically and wondrously, the Lord speaks to us through his word. His words are eternal and ever so relevant in each of our lives today. The hardest struggle we often face is to come to the Word of God itself. There will be impediments strewn across our path to the Lord. The toughest ones will be the simple act of lifting the bible, reading, and reflecting on it. It is because our enemy is very active in the world today, beginning with creating confusion and despair.
Listen then to this prophet of long ago, resounding his message in our hearts; dear friends. But you, gird up your loins, stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. (17) We break down in a variety of ways, eg: physically getting emotional (distraught, upset, angry, etc.). We are forewarned by God, not to break down in any way, whatsoever. We are not to plead before men, but only before God!
We have been made a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the kings, the princes, the priests, and the people of the land. (18) The kings et al, today are symbolized by the many who refuse to do right, be it the leaders of this world or our people. Many times it could be our worldly nature that stands against us, on our path! But we are reminded that our soul –(the city where God lives), our hearts –(the iron pillar), and our minds/intellect –(the bronze wall) are fortified. We may be broken but not crushed. (2Cor 4:8-9)
We must then dust off the ashes and rise again and again, each day and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17
In you O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. (1) My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day long, though their number is past my knowledge. (16)
Firstly, we must speak out about the Lord’s wondrous deeds, to remind ourselves!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 12: 31 – 13: 13
Love Above All!
The greatest mystery of our faith is Love and it is the toughest to follow! God is Love Above All Else! For out of His Love, He created us, sent HIS only Son to save us, and still loves us!
Of all the wonders and mysteries that are manifested in the world today, if they are not fashioned through love, they are just noisy gongs and clanging cymbals. To verify this, test to see if any boastfulness, arrogance, rudeness, etc, emanate through these actions. (1Cor 13:4-7) If so, we know where that comes from.
Gospel: Luke 4: 21-30
Jesus is Home!
He said to them, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.”(24) But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. (30)
The hometown is of this world and the prophet is sent by God to save the people! Not surprising then, that the townspeople do not accept the Prophet. The Nazarenes were amazed one moment at Jesus’ words (22) and the next they were driving him out of town (29)! What scales would have clouded their eyesight?
But the Prophet then passes through the midst of his people and goes on his way! They had their chance to be saved when the prophet was in their midst. He proceeds to extend his love to all those who will accept Him as their Lord and Saviour. They will only accept him out of love, of course, nothing else!
Amen!
