There are three distinct sections in this morning’s short
Gospel. The first one is about scandal—how it would be better for us to die
than to lead others away from God. Second, fraternal correction and forgiveness—we
cannot place limits on the forgiveness we offer. Thirdly, the great things we
can accomplish when we trust in God.
As Jesus continued his journey toward Jerusalem, he taught
his disciples what it meant to follow him. And he gives these three short
lessons, right after another.
He first acknowledges that temptations are all around us.
Satan is prowling the world seeking to separate us from God, and we must always
be vigilant against sin. And Jesus says, Woe to anyone by whom anyone else is
lead away from God. By our speech, attitudes, and actions we, as Christians,
are to lead others to God, not away from Him.
When I am celebrating baptisms, as I did yesterday, I always
remind parents and Godparents of their great duty of raising their children in
the faith, to know, love, and serve God. And the primary way this is done is by
their example. Children will use the words they hear their parents using, they
will adopt attitudes they see their parents adopting. I tell the parents, that
their job is to instill in these children a great love for the ways of God—and that
is done by living them yourselves. The children will learn the importance of
going to church, praying as a family, generosity towards the poor, from their
parents. It’s kind of funny how there are almost more prayers in the baptism
ritual for the parents then there are for the children. For woe to those
parents who do not set good example for their children.
And as Christians we must show good example not just to
children, but to everyone: to the cashier, the waitress, the mailman, to
neighbors, and people of other faith.
Leading others to God, as Jesus teaches this morning,
sometimes involves rebuke. Children and family who have fallen away from the
faith, need to be patiently and gently reminded of the eternal importance of
living the faith. This is an act of mercy, an act of love.
Reeling under the impact of these demands, the disciples
asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus assured them that faith would prove
adequate to the demands God places on us. Treating people with respect,
dignity, setting good example for the young, now more than ever these demands
seem impossible, but Jesus says that when we live the faith, nurture the faith
through study, prayer, meditation, acts of charity, the demands of discipleship
become possible.
God wishes to build up his kingdom through us. May we never
be a stumbling block for others, but be on guard against temptation, forgive
easily, and develop true and authentic faith for the glory of God and salvation
of souls.
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