THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18
1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-40
THE AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIFE
We continue the letter to the Thessalonians, who were praised for their faith, hope and their love.
Paul was bold to mention that they came to preach to them simply driven by the desire to preach the Word of God and to share their own life transforming experience with them. They did not come to deceive them or impress them. For Paul, apart from the message, their very life was a point of reference for them.
The authentic life of the Christian is one that is in tandem with the gospel. We cannot claim to be true Christians when our lives do not reflect what we preach or what the gospel says.
He noted that by the authenticity of their Christian witness, the Thessalonians imitated them, and they also became examples to others. The life of Paul and his companions was so genuine that they became an example for the people. Can you imagine what our society will become if every Christian lives according to the call of Jesus in the gospels? If Paul could dedicate himself so much to the Lord, if the Thessalonians could do the same, we too can do it today. We too can completely live an authentic Christian life.
The Thessalonians also became example to others in that, when they heard the gospel, they turned to the living God from idols. Here, there is a contrast between the idols as dead and false and God as true and living. This is what we are all called to; we are called to turn from a life of pretence, falsity and death to a supernatural life of grace and freedom. The gospel calls us to faith and action. Our faith in Jesus should show in the actions of our life. That is the only way we can truly evangelize to the people of our time. Pope Paul VI says, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses”.
Living an authentic Christian life today is not easy. It is most difficult. In fact, Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. But the truth is that, we have always been persecuted. What was impressive about Paul and his companions for which reason they were imitated was their capacity to bear suffering for the sake of Christ and the gospel. They will not compromise on anything. They were genuine in the practice of their faith. Paul himself speaks of moments when he and his companions suffered beatings, stoning and imprisonments all for the sake of the gospel.
Are we also willing to bear the consequences of the gospel? To bear the rejection that comes as a result of it? Or we are in a hurry to fit in, to compromise and to follow the trend? Why do you believe in something you can’t die for? And why should someone else accept what you would not die for?
We must note that the transformation in the life of the Thessalonians was known widely. In fact, Paul mentions that the story of their conversion and faith was known in Macedonia and Achaia, which are located in the North and South of Greece respectively. What Paul was saying is that their witnessing was known throughout the whole region. Is this not impressive? Imagine what impact we can make in our country when each Christian does their little best to be a true Christian? What would become of us and our nation when we pray every day before we step out, read our Bible, are diligent with all things as if commanded by God, attend mass regularly, and are sincere, honest and truthful.
It may sound difficult and challenging. But we must never forget that the Holy Spirit is with us. Paul mentions that in receiving the message and its burdens, the Thessalonians were full of joy of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is always behind those who resolve to live an authentic Christian life.
May we remember that the appropriate response to the gospel is faith and action. Paul and his companions did not simply talk about the gospel but lived it such that when new believers wanted to know how to live, they looked at them, the messengers. May we too live in faith and action such that we become a point of reference to others.
May we live an authentic Christian life animated by the Holy Spirit.
God bless you.
By Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
