“Imitating our ‘Enthusiastic’ Master, and spreading the love of the Lord to all!”

(Based on 1 Cor 3:1-9 and Lk 4:38-44 – Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“Enthusiasm” is a very remarkable word.
This word, “enthusiasm” is derived from two Greek words:
“en” meaning IN “theos” meaning GOD
So the word “enthusiasm” literally means, being IN GOD!

Therefore, technically speaking…

One who is “enthusiastic” is the one who is possessed by God and is passionate about His works
One who is “enthusiastic” is the one who is deeply involved in the concerns of God and is zealous for Him

The Gospel of the Day is a classic exhibition of our Blessed Lord who displays a lot of “enthusiasm” in His Mission and ministry.

The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 4, verses 31 onwards is a description of the activities of a day in the life of Jesus.
This was a Sabbath day.

And it is being a very long day for the Lord…

The day began with Jesus teaching in the synagogue (Lk 4: 31-32)

Amazement and astonishment had filled all those who listened to Him

Then, He cured a man with a spirit of an unclean demon (Lk 4: 33-37)

Authority and Power was on display to all those who encountered this healing

Then, He goes to the house of Simon Peter and heals his mother-in-law (Lk 4: 38-39)

Personal affection and interest was extended to the chosen disciple of the Lord

Later, at sunset, He heals the various sick and suffering who are brought to Him (Lk 4: 40-41)

Immense compassion and mercy is offered to those in need

Finally, at daybreak, He moves off to a deserted place and proceeds to preach in the other towns (Lk 4: 42-43)

Unmatched dedication and commitment for the mission is exhibited by the Lord

One of the outstanding features that is noticed in our Blessed Lord is His absolutely tremendous level of “enthusiasm”.

Nothing seemed to tire the Lord.
Nothing seemed to deter Him in His works
Nothing seemed to fluctuate Him in His focus.

The reason for this was that He was Enthusiastic – “In God” (and of course, He is GOD Himself!)

Chapter 4 of St Luke had begun with Jesus affirming, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…” (Lk 4: 18)

It was this “being in the Spirit” that was the recipe to our Blessed Lord being constantly “on the move” – in Mission with Enthusiasm!

His Presence brought about a wave of happiness and hope

His Words helped people to find new meaning and purpose in life
His Works enabled people to find acceptance and forgiveness in life

Is my life and the activities that I engage in, also “filled with enthusiasm?”

Am I able to live my life in joy and happiness, knowing that I have a God who is deeply in love with me, and takes care of my every need and knows my every movement?
Am I able to trust the Lord, especially in moments of crises and calamities, and be a beacon of hope in the darkness of tragedies and be an agent of encouragement in the thick of hopelessness?

Our Christian Faith gives us so many reasons to be joyful – to be thankful and to be “enthusiastic”

When I am “in the Lord”…
… I can always radiate joy
… I can always share love
… I can always spread hope

Let us imitate our “Enthusiastic” Master, so that every moment of our day can become…
… an opportunity to share a joyful smile and a cheerful word to a sad and gloomy soul!
… an occasion to extend the healing hand of compassion and service to those who are in need!
… an opening to spread the love of the Lord and to bring people closer to His Gentle and Merciful Heart!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – “Do this in memory of me”

From celebration to celebration, as they proclaim the Paschal mystery of Jesus “until he comes,”…

… the pilgrim People of God advances,” following the narrow way of the cross,” toward the heavenly banquet, when all the elect will be seated at the table of the kingdom. (CCC #1344)