MONDAY OF THE THIRTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME NOVEMBER 8, 2021

MASS READINGS:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Lk 17:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

REFLECTION

“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur.

God knows our hearts, thoughts and intentions of our spoken words.

In the world of children there will be squabbles, “it’s mine” moments and sometimes a “smack” or “I hate you” shouted. But a few minutes later they are playing together.

In the world of adults, it just is not that easy. It’s like we want to stay angry. We choose not to forget. We hold on to transgressions. We fail to forgive others. Scandal and gossip stirs up division. We are jealous of the strengths and gifts of others. We are prideful.

We are the models to our children. May we not lead ourselves and others into sin. By our examples may we help sinners regain their sight, enrich their souls and bring them back to God’s embrace.

God bless you.