Tuesday, October 13, 2015

28th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 14-10-15

Romans 2:1-11 / Luke 11:42-46

One of the meaning of admonishment is to express warning or disapproval, especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner.

Whereas rebuke and reprimand both refer to sharp, often angry criticism from a higher authority

In the gospel, it is not that clear whether Jesus admonished or rebuked or reprimanded the Pharisees.

But it was enough to irritate a lawyer when he raised a protest against Jesus for insulting them.

And what that lawyer got in return, and we could have guessed it, was a rebuke and a reprimand from Jesus.

Because the lawyer thought more about his pride than to heed what Jesus was teaching.

It must be remembered that Jesus came into the world not condemn the world but to save the world.

But when the teachings of Jesus are not heeded, especially those teachings on morality expressed by the Church under the authority of Jesus, then it may mean this.

As the 1st reading puts it, are we abusing God's abundant goodness, patience and tolerance, not realizing that this goodness of God is meant to lead us to repentance.

Let us humbly accept the gentle admonishment of Jesus. Let not our pride make us forfeit His gift of salvation. May we always repent and also refrain from judging others.