Readings:
Exodus 32:7-14
John 5:31-47
Reflection:
One of the evils in history, in today’s world and the future, is the scarcity of leaders who are willing to speak their convictions at the risk of popularity.
The Christian life is a constant challenge between two aspects: Being Popular or being Right. There is a constant challenge to stand against prospects of gaining false fame and phony popularity by compromising one’s Christian values.
The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, who stood firm and rock-solid in his mission commitment, even in the face of opposition, indifference, and apathy from the Jews.
We hear from the Book of Exodus, in the first reading, how the people of Israel abandoned the ways of the Lord and made for themselves a golden calf, worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” (Cf. Exod 32:8)
So often, we also create “varieties of calves” of money, power, position, sinfulness, and worship and give our priority to them. We are quick to forget God’s many blessings and mercies and turn away from the love of God!
Let us strive to emulate our Blessed Lord, who clung to His Commitment and Dedication to the Mission. May we seek the Grace to remain steadfast in our Christian Life, to stand for God and His Kingdom, and to live to share His Love and Mercy. Let us aspire to embody this ‘spirit of leadership’ like Jesus our Master by choosing to be true and faithful rather than merely seeking popularity.
Sony Marsilin Kannanaikal CP is a Passionist priest, he lives at St.Joseph’s Community, Hobart.