Speaking the truth in love

Jer. 1:4-5.17-19, 1 Cor. 12:31–13:13, Lk. 4:21-30. On this Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church enjoins us to live our lives in a way that reflects the truth of God's love. Through Jeremiah, God reminds us that every human life is willed, called, named and commissioned by Him. Paul sings the hymn of love, the greatest of theological virtues. Upon declaration of His mission, Jesus meets with hostility from His own people. Today's first reading reminds us of the call of the prophet Jeremiah. God called him to become His servant and mouthpiece, to speak of God’s will and truth. At that time, the prophet Jeremiah lived during the last years of the southern kingdom of Judah, at the time when the remaining people of God were beset by troubles and the threat of the destruction of their kingdom were looming large at them. All of that were caused by their disobedience against God, their refusal to listen to Him and in hardening of their hearts from His love and mercy. They would rather remain in the state of sin and live in darkness than to follow the Lord, their God. Yet, God still patiently reached out to them and sent them His prophets, to reminds them of His love, urging them to repent and turn away from their sins.

The same sentiment of care and love is shown in today's Gospel, when Jesus was in Nazareth, in His own hometown but was rejected by own people. At that time, the Lord returned to Nazareth after beginning His ministry and gathering some of His disciples. He proclaimed the words of God in the local Synagogue, only for the people to doubt Him and slander Him just because they knew Joseph, His foster father and thought that it was impossible for a Man of such stature to gain such wisdom and power. Today's second reading speaks of what love and true Christian love means: "Love is patient, kind and without envy. It is not boastful or arrogant." Here, Paul revealed to us that this is what true Christian love is all about: God Himself has shown us unconditionally, as He patiently loved us from the beginning even if He endured betrayals. Thus, Paul also points out that no matter the power, gifts, talents, abilities, blessings and all that we have received and have no love in us, then all these are meaningless and useless. Without love, then whatever we do are only for ourselves and have no merit in themselves. As Christians, love must be our second nature and not only just loving ourselves, but more importantly, to love God and our fellow brothers and sisters just as much we have loved ourselves.

Lord, grant that we may know you with our hearts and that you will always be with us in our daily lives because of your great goodness! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!