Breaking the Word

10^th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 12^th June 2023 – 2 Cor 1,1-7; Mt 5,1-12

Becoming Comforters

In writing to Corinthians, Paul is aware of the hard times they and he are going through. From verses 3 to 11, the apostle bursts forth into prayer of thanksgiving for the comfort that has come to him in the midst of his distress and affliction. However, in all his afflictions, Paul was conscious of God’s comforting presence. In fact, God is described as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. It is from God that all mercies and comforts flow. Therefore, in just five verses (1,3-7), Paul uses the word “comfort” or “consolation” ten times. Usually the word “comfort” means consolation in times of sorrow. But in the NT, it has a wider meaning that refers to encouragement and exhortation. The Greek word for “comfort” is paraclesis, which is similar to usage in John’s gospel Chs. 14-16, where Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, the paraclete i.e., the Comforter, the Advocate, the Consoler and the Encourager. In the first place, Paul wants his readers to be encouraged with the encouragement that flows from God, from Jesus’ death, and resurrection, and from the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete of God. So, when Paul and his companions suffer, it is to bring the Corinthians encouragement and salvation. This in turn enables Paul and his companions to accept their sufferings. This has an important and practical lesson for everyone. Sufferings are not simply negative experiences; they can be a source of encouragement for others. Others can benefit from our sufferings. At the same time, we should remember when we are comforted that we should seek to pass on this comfort to others. We are not comforted to be comfortable but to be comforters.

9^th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 10^th June 2023 – Tobit 12,1.5-15.20; Mk 12,38-44

Trusting Companion

The first reading is the conclusion from the Book of Tobit. A central character has been the shadowy figure of Raphael who was in the background, through whom much has been happening. The characters in the story had no idea that Raphael was an angel and a messenger of God. They saw him as a helpful and guiding companion for Tobiah on his journey to the Media. Towards the end, Raphael reveals who he is and how he has been sent from God to Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. Finally, Raphael suddenly disappears, a style that is normal in divine revelations or in epiphanies.  Raphael has lived out the name given to him by God as the “healer of God”.  He has restored the sight to Tobit, to Sarah healed of her curses, and to Tobiah provided a lovely wife. God, through Raphael, has shown how things can work out for the good of those who seek God’s will in their lives and are willing to persevere through trying times. Raphael proclaims the importance of giving praise to God and trusting in Him, which leads to mighty works of God in their lives.