The theme of our readings for today somewhat connects to the theme that we heard in our readings at Mass this past Sunday. Remember, in the Gospel yesterday, the disciples were arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest in their number. We know that Jesus came back and says: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35). The message is that greatness is truly exhibited in humility, love of neighbor, love of God. That’s where this thought is connected in our readings today.

As Christians, we’re called to bring those things to the world. In our first reading this morning from the Book of Proverbs, Scripture is giving us a road map of how we are called to live as disciples of the Lord, as people of faith. We are called to treat others with kindness, with charity, with generosity, with respect. Above all, we are called to love God, to strive for holiness, to seek righteousness…not to seek the path of the wicked.

We are called to live in that way because that is the way that we transform the world around. We have to allow the Lord to transform our hearts. We have to allow Him to bring us to a moment of conversion. When our hearts are transformed, then we can bring glory to God in all that we do and say. Then others see the light that is within us.

That light that is within us is not something that comes from ourselves. Instead, the light that is within us is Jesus. We are called to bring Him to the world in everything that we do. And yet, we all fall short of that in some way.

But let this be a wakeup call from the Lord, let it be a challenge from Him to reflect on how we are living our lives in accord with His teachings. Am I living my life in the way that I’m supposed to? Am I treating others with that respect and the dignity that they deserve? Am I living my life with the teachings of the Church and the teachings of Jesus in mind? Am I striving for holiness?

Thank God that we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We need it often! At least, I know I do. Because it gives us the opportunity to examine our lives and to reorient our hearts back to God. Each and every day is a new day; it’s a new opportunity to follow the Lord more closely, to renew that commitment to holiness, and to ensure that we are trying our best to lead others to an encounter with Jesus.

Photo: Boy sitting on bench reading. Ben White. Used under Unsplash license.

Readings for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time | Memorial of St. Padre Pio