Gospel Thought for Today
8th November: Monday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Luke 17:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,
but woe to the one through whom they occur.
It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck
and he be thrown into the sea
than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
Be on your guard!
If your brother sins, rebuke him;
and if he repents, forgive him.
And if he wrongs you seven times in one day
and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’
you should forgive him.”
And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you would say to this mulberry tree,
‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection:
Be on your guard!
Leaders (religious or political alike) have a huge responsibility over the people entrusted to them. They are regarded as role models. When they commit mistakes in the discharge of their duties, they cause a scandal. Those who look up to them are in danger of doing the same mistakes as though it is correct. Indeed, as St Thomas Aquinas once said, “The worst form of corruption is the corruption of the best.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus gave a stern warning: It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. This warning is not only addressed to religious or political leaders, but to everyone because we are all sisters and brothers in the community of believers. We all have a responsibility for each other.
- Who is a good role model for you?
- How do you make up for your shortcomings?
- How do you keep yourself from causing someone under your care to sin?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Keep us vigilant in how we conduct ourselves. By Your grace, may we strive to live as shining examples of Your love. Amen.
