The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward himand to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.
REFLECTION
You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.
We live in a polarized world. We see it especially during this election year. In fact, one knows that one side is not listening to the other side, they are waiting for the speech to end so that there will be a rebuttal. Instead of working for the good and the better candidate to be elected, each side is waiting to destroy the other. Goal is to score points or "pinging" the opponent. Opposing sides become tone deaf to the truth, going out of the way, to prevent others from the benefit of getting the best. We need to listen with an open heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us to the ultimate Truth.
St Ignatius of Antioch was condemned to death and journeyed from Antioch to Rome. In that course of time, he wrote seven letters, urging Christians to remain faithful to God and follow the truths of the faith. He shared his knowledge, his faith and his willingness to shed his blood for God. We, too, inspite of our situations, should continue to show people the way to God.
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