Religion is a two-way current. One way flows from God to man. And the other, from the man to God. But the nature of each current is not the same. The current from God originates from his love for humanity. God doesn’t have any need to create, but, out of his love, he gave us our being. Our existence itself reveals his goodness to us. Every single thing we experience, even suffering, is a gift. On the other hand, the current from man to God begins with a realization of his indebtedness to God. The man recognizes his duty to give thanks to God. The flow from man to God belongs to the virtue of justice. In other words, the man owes thanksgiving to God for everything he enjoys.

In the first reading today from the Letter to the Hebrews, we hear Abraham offer a tenth of everything he owned to the priest-king Melchizedek, who prefigures Christ. Would you consider this act of tithing as an expression of love? How would you feel if your spouse would share only ten percent of himself with you? Would you call it love? What Abraham offered symbolizes an act of justice. Because God gave us everything, even his being, we would have to give everything back, even our life, if we would want to leave nothing to owe him. But God is generous to us that he is pleased with our small offerings.

In the gospel today, Jesus demonstrates the current of God’s love for man. A law or custom cannot bind God’s love. He is free to offer grace and mercy beyond human rigidity. God’s love transcends man’s idea of justice. His way is much higher than ours. God showers down good things beyond a human scope of justice and equity. He offers grace and mercy to the good and the bad as well. God’s currency is love!

Many believe religion is an option. Even Christians act as if faith is an add-on for more flavours of life. When we realize what God has given us out of his goodness, we perceive the necessity of adoration and worship of him. Moreover, when we recognize our indebtedness to God and our humility before him, we will not suffer unnecessary unhappiness and misery. Many are unhappy because they believe God owes them what they want and like. Many bring about troubles because they play God for themselves and others like the Pharisees in the gospel today.