Owning Mistakes

Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Baruch 1:15-22; Psalm 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9; Luke 10:13-16

Summary

Considering our sacred readings today, we have an opportunity to make an honest evaluation of our life’s choices and responsibilities for our circumstance.

First Reading

Here we have a people willing to evaluate their situation with a clear mind and self-assessing, truthful analysis and comparing that to the benevolence of the Lord.

Each of us has followed the inclinations of our wicked hearts, served other gods, and done evil in the sight of the LORD, our God (Baruch 1:22).

And comparing to the wonders of the love the Lord has for them.

The Lord led our ancestors out of the land of Egypt until the present day. He led our ancestors out of the land of Egypt to give us a land flowing with milk and honey (Baruch 1;20, 19).

Psalmist Continues the Reflection

The communal laments Psalm 79 outlines the bitter experiences they are enduring.

They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and no one is left to do the burying (PS 79:3).

Seeking Divine Aid

Help us, God our savior, on account of the glory of your name. Deliver us, pardon our sins for your name’s sake (PS 79, 9).

Such blessed clarity! Such sincere prayer!

Gospel Acclamation

The praise verse highlights the most important frame of reference we can have.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (PS 95:8).

That is: listen to the Lord.

Gospel Portion

When writing for a diverse blog community with an entire spectrum of culture, nationalities, life experiences and circumstances, it is difficult to weave a perfect message to be of aid to everyone in equal measure. It is beyond my capacity.

So the message is from a perspective. Sometimes it fits you, sometimes not. But the words of the Lord always fit. But the gospel portion today is always applicable.

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!m For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you (LK 10:13-14),

On the personal level, and speaking to the Christian community, we can self-accuse our ingratitude, feigned ignorance of our guilt and our failure to response in a like way (rightly) with others.

Victim Mentality

Generally the American culture has lost self reflection Jesus is asking today in terms of personal responsibility. We have become a permanent state of being in a victim mentality. Pair this with the constant deflection, name calling, and vilifying everyone except the perfect image of ourselves is a deadly culture.

Solution

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (PS 95:8).

Reflect honestly knowing the purpose is reconciliation and harmony. The Lord wants our good to be the best life. Jesus’ asks we consider how very blessed we are to have all he provides.

Helpful link: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry