Let us live in gratitude to God and imitate Him

Let us live in gratitude to God and imitate Him

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Col. 3:12-17, Lk. 6:27-38. Today's Liturgy provides us with some practical ways to live our life in gratitude to, and imitation of God our Father. In the first reading, Paul gives to the faithful at Colossae ways in which they can live out their faith. Thus, he puts forward many different articles of apparel that are needed: heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiveness, peace, gratitude. Each of these marks how the “well-dressed” Christian should look and act. The outermost garment which covers all the rest of the accouterments is love. This is what people should see first and foremost when they look at us. All of these virtues deal with how Christians reflects their thankfulness to God for the gifts which God has bestowed on them – in and through Jesus. Our treatment of others is a testimony to the goodness which God has bestowed on us.

In the Gospel, Jesus demands that His followers exceed the prescription of the old covenant, which expected an-eye-for-an-eye treatment of others. According to the former commandments, it was important to love one’s family and neighbours who believed the same things, yet one’s enemies should be treated with hatred and derision. Jesus urges His disciples to imitate the compassion, mercy and love which God had shown towards the chosen people. According to Jesus’ directives, we should give without being asked, provide more than what is demanded of us, forgive without counting the hurt, love without counting the cost. For that is exactly how God has treated us, especially as demonstrated in and through the ministry of the Son.

May the Lord bless us always in our every good endeavours and works! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!

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