7th Week, Thursday, Feb 27; Sirach 5:1-8
Turn to the Lord; Don't put it off!
We
sometimes hear people say, "There's plenty of time to do that tomorrow.
After all, what's another day?" A day doesn't seem to be much until you
realize how much happens each day. Take a few examples from Tom Parker's book,
In One Day. Each day in the United States:
13,000
people get married, 87,000 people wreck their car, 180,000 people move to a
different home, 20,000 people write to the president, 11,000 people get bitten
by a dog.
One day
may not seem to be much, but the facts prove otherwise. That's also the point
of today's reading: Don't put off your conversion to the Lord "from day to
day." Too much is at stake.
***
Why do we
tend to procrastinate, especially when it comes to spiritual matters?
"Time
is what we want most, but what alas! we use worst." William Penn
***
Introduction
Year I. While the
Bible speaks constantly of forgiveness, it always keeps condemning presumption,
whether in one’s own strength or possessions, or in the very patience of God
with sinners. It is the people aware of their weakness who attract God’s
pardon. This is Ben Sirach’s lesson today.
Gospel. In a series of not-too-well-connected
words of the Lord to his disciples, we notice for example, how Jesus shows
concern for the “little ones,” that is, ordinary Christians not too well versed
in doctrinal matters, who are at times confused by the more learned. With James
and the Lord, we too should be concerned about the little people, the humble,
ordinary Christians.
***
Opening Prayer
Lord God, our Father, Jesus your Son showed special
concern for the weak and the humble. Help us too never to become overbearing or
condescending towards the little people. Do not allow us to confuse them with
self-conscious, learned words. And gave us a faith that is informed, yet simple
and trusting. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
***
Mark
9:41-50: Salt Your Life with Love and Peace
Jesus
calls us to be the salt of the earth, to bring flavour, joy, and meaning to the
lives of others through love and service. When we work for God, we receive more
than we can imagine. Every small act of kindness—a visit to the sick, a word of
encouragement, or a meal shared with those in need—warms not only the hearts of
others but our own as well. No act of love is wasted; God observes and rewards
every gesture of kindness.
At the
same time, Jesus warns us against being a source of scandal. In today’s world,
we are painfully aware of the challenges and wounds within the Church. Yet,
just as every family has struggles, so does our spiritual family. Instead of
becoming indifferent or discouraged, we must respond with prayer, humility, and
a commitment to live with integrity. Scandals arise not just from public
failings but from the contradictions in our own lives—when our actions do not
reflect the faith we profess. Let us seek God’s forgiveness for the times we
have caused harm and pray for the healing and holiness of the Church.
Ultimately,
the Gospel invites us to seek peace, a peace that comes from living with
purpose and authenticity. True peace is found when our lives are filled with
the "flavour" of Christ’s love. Let us ask ourselves: Does the way I
live bring peace to my heart and to those around me? If the answer is yes, then
you are walking the road to holiness.
Lord, help
us to be salt for the world, bringing love where there is hurt, and peace where
there is division. May our lives reflect Your goodness. Amen!
