Breaking the Word

32^nd Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 16^th November 2024 – 3 John 5-8; Lk 18,1-8

Icon of Hospitable Faith

In the first reading, John praises Gaius, his beloved (mentioned thrice 3 Jn 1.2.5) and highlights some of his positive traits. Gaius treats his brethren well and they speak highly of him among the churches. He is appreciated for living out his faith by being hospitable towards missionaries, those who are strangers. Though Gaius didn’t know them personally, yet he treated them like family members. He shared his resources generously not only to his local community of believers but also to those being sent out to spread the good news to others. John finds that the missionaries had the right motive of serving others from a strong sense of their calling. The “name” of Jesus was their reason for serving and travelling. They took no money from the gentiles, but relied on Christians in the local churches for support. Therefore, John exhorts Gaius to continue his support for those being sent out on the journey of faith, to the messengers of truth. Gaius, besides being a popular leader in faith, was known as a great host. He stands as an example of a true disciple, who helps others to spread God’s good news of salvation.

32^nd Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 15^th November 2024 – 2 John 4-9; Lk 17,26-37

Walking in Truth and Love

There are two parts in the first reading. In the first part, John appreciates the Church for following the true teaching, by “walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.”  In the second part, he warns his Church about those who are denying the true humanity of Jesus, saying “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.” John speaks about walking in the truth, which is nothing but walking in love. For him, the truth is Jesus Christ himself, the truth about him, and the true way of life he has called us to follow. He, then, urges his believers to walk in love and keep His commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.” However, Love should not blind them to the truth because some ‘progressive teachers’ do not recognize Jesus and his teaching. They proclaim that the Son of God did not become a human being, but that he temporarily came down as man Jesus. They focus more on knowledge than on loving actions.  Therefore, John invites his believers to reject these deceivers and to imitate the ‘love teaching’ of Christ the Son.