Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Thursday of the 23rd week in ordinary time, September 10, 2026.
Our meditation today has the theme: Love Perfects Knowledge. There was a young man who had just graduated from a well-known university and he was major in animal husbandry. He has not found a job yet, so he spent his free times to help his father and mother working to raise cows and buffaloes in the family farm. During first three days he accompanied his parents to the farm, however, after that he then spent the rest of days sat in the shade and watched his parents working from distance.
"I understand the animals, but I can't afford to work following the herd of cows and buffaloes wherever they graze," replied the young man when asked by someone passing by. Then when both parents were also asked by the same person about their son who has just graduated from university with the specialization in animal husbandary, the answer given was the following: "If animals are cared for only with knowledge from school, they will quickly disappear and die."
To raise cows and buffaloes by following and accompanying them wherever they graze in the pasture designated for them is a noble task. Jesus Christ explained often in the Gospels about the Good Shepherd who has so great love for the flock. This love is manifested in the shepherd's deeds of caring and support them. The duties shown through his involvement, intervention, accompaniment, animation, teaching, and many efforts aim to trasform their lives. We should say also that knowledge that we have can become perfect only when it is manifested in practice and in reality of life.
Saint John Chrysostom was a man of the Church, a bishop and doctor of the Church, who had excellence both in theory and practice. In one of his famous sermons, he said that "Love has one of the most important tasks, which is to perfect the knowledge that we have." Because knowledge is generally only a theory or reflection, through the act of loving kindness, knowledge can be expressed into actions. And also Saint Paul warned strongly that if a man relies only on knowledge, he is prone to falling into pride. Love is so needed in order to control or even to eliminate pride.
The key words from Jesus Christ on the love that perfects knowledge is the following: "Be generous as your Father is generous and perfect". This generosity will enable educated, knowledgeable, intelligent and competent people to drive the wheels of our life that will reach progress in all aspects of our lives.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... O most loving God, make us always generous like You who are ever generous, so that we may contribute to renew the world. Hail Mary, full of grace... In name of the Father ...
