Beware of Foolishness

THE WORD AND THE SAINT

October 15, 2019: Remembering St. Teresa of Avila

Romans 1:16-25; Luke 11: 37-41

The theme of yesterday continues today...what Jesus spoke in the Gospel yesterday, St. Paul writes in his letter today. There isn't any need for an extraordinary exercise to realise the presence of God. "Be Still and know that I am God", suggests Psalm 46 (v.10). 

One common word that we can find in the first reading and the Gospel today is, "fool" (Rom 1:22 ; Lk 11:40). It would indeed be foolish, if we do not really manage to experience the presence of God after all that we have been blessed with in life. Be it St. Paul in the first reading or Jesus in the Gospel, they seem to be very strong with their words. At times it is necessitated!

Sometimes we can be led into that so-called foolishness by our daily concerns, overwhelming troubles, endless temptations, nagging situations, seemingly insuperable burdens that tend to bog us. As Jesus remarks, some of our misplaced priorities and scandalising practices in life, may not only take us away from God but may even keep some others far from God! How many have gone away from God, because of the life and practices of those who claim to believe in God! 

The readings, as well as the Mystic whom we celebrate today - St. Teresa of Avila, invite us to look within us and observe the greatness that is treasured within us, and from there we can shine forth to the world: through a thorough soul searching and a realisation of the indwelling Spirit within us! For we may be unworthy clay jars, but exactly in these has the Lord placed the priceless treasures (2 Cor 4:7)!