Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin
Readings: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Summary
He said to me: Son of man, eat what you find here: eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. He said to me, “Take and swallow it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.” (Ez 3:1-2,3b, X-Ref Rev 10:9).
How sweet to my taste is your promise! (Ps 119:103a)
Reflection
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. (Mt 11:29, 18:4-5).
Sacred scripture is sweet to read and sour to execute!
Just being honest here! I mean, really now, do you receive everyone as a child of God? Or in moments of temptation do you want to take the scroll and bash them over the head?
So then we must adjust our thinking. If divine mercy is sweet when given to us, it cannot become sour merely because it is given to someone else.
What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost (Mt 18:12-14).
See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father (Mt 18:10).
Personal Reflection
So our contradiction is sweet for me and sour for you?
or
The Lord will come to find me and not you?
No, this is not the way. In a sense the sour part is the need for a change of heart. Each human person is loved by God and, by his will, is meant to receive the sweetness of divine love.
Just saying.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081126.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry