WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, FEBRUARY 1, 2023

MASS READINGS

Reading I

Heb 12:4-7, 11-15

REFLECTION

See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God,

that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble,

through which many may become defiled.

When we hear of someone we don't know do something "amazing" we join in the praise and admiration. But if someone we know is successful, or does good, we can easily become jealous, envy their accomplishments or downplay what they are doing.

We can, in fact, be more critical and skeptical because we knew them when they were young, playing with the other kids, crying, hungry, irritating, laughing, praying and doing childish things. We might think, that could be me doing all these great things.

In the case of Jesus, we need to remember that He was like us in every way except sin. He endured even jealousy.

A jealous person can be spotted fairly quickly. Be it be by their comments, body language, failure to participate in activities, criticism, not cooperating with the endeavors of others or worse, removing affection or attention once shared. It is one of the harshest treatments of one person to the other.

Are we jealous of others, their material, spiritual and physical wealth? Can others see it in us? When we are jealous we cannot be the best example of God's love in us. In being jealous we might be the source of others sinning by being bitter and causing trouble for them.

God will do great things through all of us if we allow His love to grow in us. Look beyond the surface, beyond the comments, beyond the actions beyond your memory of past events or circumstances. God dwells in each and everyone of us. We should look for the presence of God in all of us, especially in those whom we have problems with.

Practice this over and over. Persistent repetition of good acts will give us the virtue we so much want and need.

God Bless You