REFLECTION BY FR COLLINS AKHIGBE, OP
SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES
1ST READING PHIL 4:10-19. PSALM 112. GOSPEL LK 16:9-15.
THEME: BE TRUSTWORTHY
“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours?” Lk 16:10-12). The Lord is telling us the need for trustworthiness in our lives. This is very important if we are going to achieve eternal salvation. To be dishonest is a grievous matter. It is capable of leading us away from God permanently. We should therefore do everything in our power to remain honest and trustworthy. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should be trustworthy and how to achieve trustworthiness.
WHY WE SHOULD BE TRUSTWORTHY
First, because of who we are. We are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-28). We are created good (Gen 1:31). Ontologically we are good. To be dishonest is to act contrary to who we are.
Second, we should be honest and trustworthy because this is the will of God for each and everyone of us. This is why the Master told us, let your Yes mean Yes, and Your No mean No. Anything more is from the evil one (Mt 5:37).
Third, we should be trustworthy so that we can overcome the evil one. Without honesty we are working for the devil. In fact it is from the evil one to be dishonest. The Master made it clear to be dishonest is from the evil one (Mt 5:37).
Fourth, we should be trustworthy in order to enjoy deeper relationships with fellow human beings. Without honesty we cannot be trusted with any responsibility. Without honesty we cannot enjoy intimate friendships.
Fifth, we should be trustworthy in order to attract divine communion and favour. We cannot achieve any meaningful relationship with God without honesty. It is practically impossible.
Sixth, we should be honest in order to achieve inner peace and harmony. We would constantly be unhappy because we can only find happiness in truth and sincerity. There is no happiness in dishonest living.
Seventh, we should avoid dishonesty because it destroys families. It wounds the relationship between spouses and the relationship between parents and children. There can be no healthy family life without honesty and sincerity. This is practically impossible.
HOW TO ACHIEVE TRUSTWORTHINESS
First, the gift of humility helps us to overcome the temptation to be dishonest. It is part of pride and arrogance to be dishonest. Even though pride is the father of all sins committed on earth.
Second, the fear of God is capable of saving us from dishonest living. The more we draw closer to God the more we become honest and sincere.
Third, we can overcome the temptation to be dishonest when we have pure and noble heart. The state of our hearts determines how we live our lives.
Fourth, contentment is another means through which we can overcome temptation to be dishonest. The more we are content with what we have and who we are the more we become honest and sincere.
Fifth, the love for truth and justice is capable of saving us from dishonest life. Let us always strive for truth and justice we would ultimately achieve honesty and trustworthiness.
Sixth, the more we are detached from the love of the world the more we can become honest and sincere. This is why the Master told us not to love the world and the things of the world (1 Jn 2:15-16).
Seventh, another means through which we can grow in trustworthiness is living a life of faith, hope and love (1 Cor 13:13). These theological virtues are capable of leading us to sincerity of purpose in life. They are powerful antidote for all vices on earth.
Eighth, a life of prayer and meditation can lead us to truth and trustworthiness. The more we turn to God in prayers and listen to him the more we become capable of achieving trustworthiness.
These are some of the means we can grow towards trustworthiness.
PRAYERS
Lord, help us to become who we are. Lord, please, give us the garment of integrity and righteousness. Lord, deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
With lots of prayers and love.
