What really matters (Friday, Easter 5, 2021)

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Introduction 

“You didn’t choose me; I chose you”. Not chosen to dispute or to quarrel over issues; not chosen for religious ritualism (just mere observance of rituals). We were chosen to bear fruit, the fruit of love. This is what matters; anything otherwise is rubbish.


Reflection 

The Church on earth was not and will never be a perfect institution made up of saints. If you have thought and expected so, begin now to reconsider your thought otherwise you may end up very frustrated and bemused. That we are members of the Church does not mean that we have attained perfection. Christ came to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance (cf. Lk. 5:32).

 

No one is a finished product. We are constantly being formed to be better. Insofar as we live in the world and in the flesh, there will never be a perfect or morally airtight person or group. A certain man was making frantic efforts to convert a catholic to his new church. He tried to convince the Catholic to leave a Church that tolerates evil acts and accommodates evil people. The catholic fellow asked him, “If you prove beyond reasonable doubt that the members of your church are free from sins, then I will come and join you?” That was how the discussion ended!

 

Acts of the Apostles seems to have made us believe that the early Christian community was more of a flawless community of believers: a community of love, unity, joy and peace. Sure, it was! May it not sound scandalous to us if we learn that there arose problems of great magnitude in the same community that was earlier described as a community where love, peace, oneness and joy reigned! First, Gentile widows in that community were neglected or discriminated against in the sharing of food (cf. Acts 6). Secondly, some Jewish Christians wanted the Gentile Christians to be subjected to the ritual of circumcision. We may not have expected the early Church to experience all of that. But such was the case because it was a community of human beings who obviously struggled with the human inclination to discrimination and evil. However, as the Acts of Apostles testifies, the matter was resolved amicably. 


When we put love before sentiments, sectionalism, ritual or political correctness, every other thing will fall into place. Christ’s commandment is straightforward: love another as I have loved you (cf. Jn. 15:12), not as you like. Christianity is not a religion of self-absorption. It is not ritualism or legalism. It is a religion of love, love beyond boundaries! Love is what ONLY matters in Christian life. If there is no love in that word, action or inaction, please it is not Christian. I wish we can understand this and begin to live accordingly!


Prayer:

Lord, help us understand that what you care about is LOVE, and nothing more, Amen!


Have a blessed day!



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