The Memorial of St Josaphat Kuntsevych

The Memorial of St Josaphat Kuntsevych

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Phil. 1:7-20, Lk. 17:20-25. Today's first reading presents us with the shortest Pauline Epistle addressed to Philemon, a friend and co-worker. One of the purposes of this writing is to ask Philemon to take back his run away slave, Onesimus, who is now ready as believer to live to the true meaning of his name - "Useful". Although Onesimus was not a believer at the time, he was moved by the preaching and behaviour of Paul. Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon and asks Philemon not to punish Onesimus for his prior uselessness and desertion, but to accept Onesimus as a “useful” brother. Paul tells Philemon that it would please him to keep Onesimus with him in his imprisonment, but he does not want to force Philemon into agreeing to such an arrangement since Onesimus can now be “useful” to Philemon.

Jesus wants us to be useful and eventful instead of being preoccupied with the thought of the end of the world. In today's Gospel, Jesus wants His disciples to be prepared by living good lives and not being terrified by predictions of disasters. He dismisses the question: “When will the reign of God come?” For Jesus, the reign of God is not to be identified with a point of time; this is an important warning to those who try to predict the end of the world on a particular day. Jesus refuses to locate the reign of God within space and time: “here” or “there.” There is no particular, all-holy place where the Kingdom must appear. Jesus cautions His disciples: "The reign of God is already in your midst." Today, we recall the memorial, glorious life and inspirational faith of St Josaphat Kuntsevych who experience the reign of God in his effort towards reconciliation that culminated in the "Union of Brest". Through the union of many communities of the local Ruthenian with the Pope, many were led by their Bishops and the clergy into full communion and reconciliation with the Pope and therefore becoming once again a member of God’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

We pray that the Lord will guide and strengthen us in our journey of faith that we may draw closer to God, with each and every moments of our lives! Amen!! Remain safe and have a terrific day!!!

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