Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Thursday of the 23rd week in ordinary time, September 10, 2026

Delivered by Albert Ben Bachtiar from Saint Peter's School Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara, in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 Corinthians 8: 1b-7.11-13; Rs psalm 139: 1-3.13-14ab.23-24; Luke 6: 27-38.LOVE PERFECTS KNOWLEDGE Our meditation today has the theme: Love Perfects Knowledge. There was a young man whohad just graduated from a well-known university and he was major in animalhusbandry. He has not found a job yet, so he spent his free times to help hisfather and mother working to raise cows and buffaloes in the family farm.During first three days he accompanied his parents to the farm, however, afterthat he then spent the rest of days sat in the shade and watched his parentsworking from distance.  "I understand the animals, but I can't afford towork following the herd of cows and buffaloes wherever they graze,"replied the young man when asked by someone passing by. Then when both parentswere also asked by the same person about their son who has just graduated fromuniversity with the specialization in animal husbandry, the answer given wasthe following: "If animals are cared for only with knowledge from school,they will quickly disappear and die." To raise cows and buffaloes by following andaccompanying them wherever they graze in the pasture designated for them is anoble task. Jesus Christ explained often in the Gospels about the Good Shepherdwho has so great love for the flock. This love is manifested in the shepherd'sdeeds of caring and support them. The duties shown through his involvement,intervention, accompaniment, animation, teaching, and many efforts aim totransform their lives. We should say also that knowledge that we have can becomeperfect only when it is manifested in practice and in reality of life. Saint John Chrysostom was a man of the Church, abishop and doctor of the Church, who had excellence both in theory andpractice. In one of his famous sermons, he said that "Love has one of themost important tasks, which is to perfect the knowledge that we have."Because knowledge is generally only a theory or reflection, through the act ofloving kindness, knowledge can be expressed into actions. And also Saint Paulwarned strongly that if a man relies only on knowledge, he is prone to fallinginto pride. Love is so needed in order to control or even to eliminate pride. The key words from Jesus Christ on the love thatperfects knowledge is the following: "Be generous as your Father isgenerous and perfect". This generosity will enable educated,knowledgeable, intelligent and competent people to drive the wheels of our lifethat will reach progress in all aspects of our lives.Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O most loving God, make us always generouslike You who are ever generous, so that we may contribute to renew the world.Hail Mary, full of grace... In name of the Father ...