THE MARKS OF JESUS…

Galatians 6:14-18 
14 But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.
17 Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Luke 9:23-26 

23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.
25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

MEDITATION

St PAUL take umbrage at the apparent inference and or accusation that he is holier-than-thou such that he has to be held in high esteem. Paul relish the fact that he is a “new creation”—a reference to his baptism and confirmation—the preeminant rules which replaced circumcision wherefore the injuries he suffered for the sake of Christ, demonstrate the beatings he took that left marks of Christ for proclaiming the Good News.

THE GOSPEL READING: Our Lord makes the point that to be a follower of Him, pressupose that the believer will accept suffering and abuse for the sake of unapologetically proclaming the gospel truth! To put it another way, Christ challenge His followers to be less concerned about their personal needs, wants or standing, because a prosperous cosy lifestyle negate the very call to be a suffering servant who forfeits worldly comforts. 

Our Lords teaching contradict the prevailing health and wealth narrative by self-styled preachers who fleece their  congregations from their hard earned resources so they can bask in luxury and fame. In defence of Truth, a true disciple of Christ must be willing to unashamedly suffer pain, abuse, hunger and vilification — injuries synonymous with the marks of Jesus crucified! No pain, no gain! 

LET US PRAY: Galatians 2:1,16 

1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.16 yet who know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified.

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.