WEDNESDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, JUNE 08, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mt 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

REFLECTION

"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven."

I always wonder if I have taught others by my example, but in a very negative way.

I think back when people asked for directions and I gave convoluted directions “turn right at the old antique store” or “turn at the third gas station”. Unfortunately I find it difficult to think North or South, East or West when giving instructions. In so doing, I must have misled many people. Unintentional, though.

White lies get said to protect myself or trying to be kind to people. Children see their parents taking moral shortcuts or gossiping, or taking the easy way out, or not helping, or living very worldly lives, not disciplining or missing Mass. Any way we live, people will notice. These situations are serious, because they are intentional, purposeful or inexcusably careless.

Spiritual misguidance is not good. Our negative ways can be reason for others to consider and condone deception, confusion and even loss of the Kingdom.

Imagine if we did not know our spiritual direction, our commandments or we interpreted them in our own way, or lived them out differently. How could we possibly lead ourselves, much less someone else, to God?

We will be in trouble if our directions in life are our own. We won’t be able to bear any fruits much less show others how to cultivate and become fruitful if we have not learned how for ourselves through the Logos, the Word of God.

Let the Holy Spirit inflame our hearts and enlighten our souls to be the greatest in the Kingdom.

God bless you.