Keep Your Eyes Fixed On Jesus

08-14-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

The episode of today’s first reading took place many years ago about 600 years before Christ in Babylonia which is today’s Iraq. King of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar was conquering all the nations that surrounded Babylon. As the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem, Jeremiah, one of the greatest Prophets of the time, told the Jewish people that it was useless for them to defend themselves as Nebuchadnezzar would destroy Jerusalem. It is better they surrender themselves in peace or face total destruction. Thus, instead of listening to Jeremiah they got angry and wanted him killed. Because of the resistance of the Jews, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and that led to the Babylonian Exile.

For many years many prophets, Jeremiah included had been sent by God to warn the people of the punishment that will befall them if they do not repent from their evil and wicked ways, especially of their exploitation of the poor and injustice of the Jewish leaders. They never paid attention to what he says and they refused to listen. Therefore, when the Babylonians started attacking them, they thought they could defend themselves.

The same Jewish leaders who opposed his prophecy were the same people who told the King that Jeremiah is unpatriotic and should die. They wanted to get rid of him. So, they got the king’s permission and put him in a well cistern to die. However, he was saved through a Cushite who persuaded the king to change his mind. One of the lessons we learn from this event is that when we refuse to heed the voice of God in our own lives, we may face some challenges as a result of our refusal to change when we had the opportunity. Most often we hate those who confront us with the truth about our lives and turn back to blame others. God will always save those who are persecuted for the truth they say.

Therefore, when you are persecuted for the sake of the truth you should fix your eyes on Jesus. When you face challenges and difficulty in your family, you should fix your eyes on Jesus. When you face trial and temptation and you are about to give up, fix your eyes on Jesus. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we see Him risen, glorified and enthroned in the supreme power at the right hand of God the Father and He will not allow us to be defeated by the wicked hand of the enemy.

Then in the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the division His presence will bring to the world. One may begin to wonder why He is talking about division when He told us in many places that He is the prince of peace. So when Jesus speaks of division, He is speaking of the ongoing battle between good and evil, between those who believe and follow Him and those who reject Him. It is Jesus’ intention to offer God’s forgiveness and love to all who would accept it. Division results from the facts that there will always be those who resist Jesus’ offer. This is the division He talks about. This battle can go on even within ourselves, with part of us wanting to love God and follow His ways and a part of us wanting to go in the opposite direction. Let us today decide to abide in God and follow Him without any reservation.

Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F

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