https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101426.cfm
One little decision can determine our destiny
“Woe to you, Pharisees!”
Intoxicated drivers can cause significant harm to themselves and others. The belief, “No harm will come to me,” can be deadly. So how do people reach the point where they believe their actions carry no consequences?
Small decisions we make every day can become big decisions. These decisions become “our laws” that we live by. Then we don’t have to decide. We do what is right for us.
‘According to “our” rules, if we do everything right, we will be better than anyone else.’ In today’s gospel, the Pharisees and scholars of the law made similar decisions about their relationship with God. They were immersed in how others saw them, but they forgot that God saw them, too. They did everything right, but for themselves, not out of love and respect for God.
So, what does the Lord see when He looks into our hearts? First, He sees His goodness within us, even when we don’t give Him much attention in prayer. We pray, but many times we only go through the motions. So we think we’re good because we prayed. We were only present to ourselves.We might look down on others who don’t pray or go to Mass on Sundays.
THE GOSPEL CHALLENGE:
The word “Woe” Jesus used when referring to the scribes and Pharisees was not a condemnation but a “plea” to put aside their own importance so they can see how important they are to God.
When we don’t pray and put God first, we’re on our own. Things never seem to work out, and our day is filled with frustration and tension. How do we change gears and put God first?
Begin by telling God throughout the day, “Lord, all I want is for you to be happy with me.” This little prayer, inspired by the Holy Spirit, brings great peace and allows the Lord to be LORD in any situation we find ourselves in. Who cares how others see us?
Love Your Neighbor.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
