“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
3rd November 2021
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WEDNESDAY, THIRTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Rom 13: 8-10; Ps 112: 1-2, 4-5, 9; Lk 14: 25-33
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DETACHMENT MAKES ONE FREE TO LOVE
In the first reading, Paul, in his letter to the Romans, invites us to a life that is pleasing to God, a life built on Love. Love and not mere following of obligations, rituals, traditions, etc, is the fulness of the holy law of God. He says, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law”. To fulfil the law, firstly, we need to love ourselves, and this is essential if we are to love others. Self-Knowledge is a state of appreciation for oneself. It recognizes that love comes from God and we experience that love, when we know God and know ourselves. It is accepting ourselves, as we are in the present moment, in God’s accompanying presence. When we accept ourselves, then it will be less difficult to love the other, because in striving to love ourselves genuinely, we grow in gentleness, kindness, patience and compassion. Paul confirms this: “Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour, that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.”
The Gospel makes it clear that following the word of God is not just a momentary exercise when all is convenient and easy. It is a life-long commitment, a covenant. We have to put our whole ‘mind, heart, soul and strength’ into it, and that invariably means sacrifice. For, one cannot focus on both God and the things of earth. And so, Jesus emphasizes on the importance of detachment: “Anyone of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Detaching ourselves from the inordinate affection to earthly things will help us make space in our hearts for heavenly things. It is hard for the man to renounce the things which he loves the most, and attach himself to the unknown; one can do so only in the light of faith. Stronger the faith, easier the process of detachment; and stronger the detachment, deeper the love for God and the heavenly life, and for our neighbor.
Response: It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends.
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