Beware of envy and falsehood!

Readings: 1^st: Gal 3:7-14; Ps:111; Gos: Lk11:15-26

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, the Friday of the twenty-seventh week of ordinary time, Luke presents us with a very fierce encounter and argument between Jesus and the Pharisees.

The Pharisees’ tactic in today’s gospel is hostile rhetoric and insults in other to tarnish the image of Christ and to diminish the significance of his mission and beautiful works.

So, instead of applauding Christ for delivering those under the captivity of evil spirits, they accused him falsely: “By the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” What a shame!

This is what envy and hatred can cause. An envious person sees nothing good in the action of one’s enemy. Since there was no way to trap Christ, the only means available was to lie against him.

Does this happen among us today? Of course! However, it a sign of an unconverted person. It is a sign of the hardness of heart so evident all around and within us today.

Character assassination is a vice and comes in different forms. So, we must always be careful of those who spread false news about others.

We must design their motives and credibility. So, “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Their intention is simple, to confuse the truth and deceive us. Unfortunately, today what sales fast is falsehood because it is cheap, and many of us fall easily.

Finally, we must appreciate the good work God accomplishes through and in others. So, instead of being envious, let us ask God to help us see the good in others’ efforts and talents. This is the fastest path to growth and development.

Peace be with you all.

Maranatha!