DATE : 8/5/2021
EVENT : Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
COLOUR: White
READINGS : Acts 16:1-10;
Resp. Psalm 99:1-3,5; John 15:18-21.
THEME: TO EVERY RULE, THERE IS AN EXCEPTION
Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this eight day of May, which is the sixth day of the fifth week of Easter, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " To Every Rule, There Is An Exception". Beloved in Christ, as human beings, we are besieged by rules on every side. As Christians, we have ecclesiastical laws guiding our conducts; as civil citizens, we have the state's laws, which prescribe the limits to our freedom, actions and inactions; as members of a village community, we have our native customs which direct our lives. As students, we have school rules and regulations to keep. As married persons, we are bound by the rules of marriage and the vows we take. As civil servants, workers and traders, we have a given ethics of conduct, guiding our dealings and transactions. There is hardly any part of our life that is not governed by rules. There is hardly any stage in life in which we are not bound by a rule or code of conduct. However, the most interesting thing is that, some of us are often times among the harbingers of these rules, or we are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that they are strictly followed. Now, the questions we must always place behind our back are these: what is the purpose of having rules? Are the rules above man or is man above the rules? Is the law made for man or is man made for the law? If I am found guilty, would I want the full blunt of the law to fall on me, or would I appreciate a little understanding and consideration? Lastly, must the law be always and every where upheld, or are there exceptional cases?
In the first reading of today, Acts 16:1-10, we are told of how St. Paul met young Timothy, and circumcised him, before allowing him to be his missionary companion. Recall that throughout this week, the issue of circumcision has preoccupied the readings at Mass, and St. Paul, has been a strong voice against imposing it as a general rule on every convert. Until the matter was settled by the apostles, at the Jerusalem's council presided by James. Today, we see this same Paul, being the one to impose circumcision on Timothy, before taking him along. However, we must understand that to every rule, there is an exception, and that wisdom, which is profitable to direct, is needed to know when to bend the rule and when to be firm on it. St. Paul knew that Timothy had dual identity; his mother being a Jewess and his father a Greek. So, it would compromise the Gospel, if Timothy was seen to be a half-breed, especially among the Jewish community. So, Paul knew better that to completely remove all form obstacles on the way of the Gospel and for pastoral reasons, it was best for Timothy to be circumcised. Though, the circumcision was not for conversion or salvation, but mere ritual to fulfill all righteousness and requirement. Paul had to go against the Apostolic mandate and do this for the good of Timothy.
Child of God, see ehh, every rule has an exception. And it is wisdom to know when to enforce the rule and when to relax a little, and let certain things pass by. It is true that rules are meant to correct and direct, and not necessarily to punish, deter or restrict us. In fact any rule that is geared towards punishment is ipso facto malevolent. Furthermore, every rule is supposed to be guide, leading to a better life. So, in applying a given rule, we should look at the bigger picture, and rather than focusing on the guilt or shortcomings of the individual, we should seek their good and overall well-being. Oftentimes, when we apply a rule without considering the good of the person involved, we may end of destroying the small goodness that is left in the individual instead of helping them to be better. The venerable Fulton J. Sheen would often say: there is no difference between you (a sinner) and me. The only difference is that you have been caught, and I am yet to be caught. Please beloved, be lenient in applying the rule to others, so that you too may survive when God will mark your guilt...
Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).
LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, give me the grace to know and seek the good of each individual whenever I have the opportunity to do so.....
The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.
May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ....Amen
HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS
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