November 12, 2007
By Beth DeCristofaro
God is the witness of (our) inmost self and the sure observer of his heart and the listener to his tongue. For the Spirit of the Lord fills the world, is all-embracing, and knows what man says. (Wisdom 1:6-7)
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me (Psalm 139:1)
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.
Piety
Lord you know me so well. Help me today to overcome the limits of my self. Help me not laugh at jokes told today that belittle others or enter into conversations which disrespect others. Help me forgive my brother seventy times seven even though he irks me so completely. Today help me put you, instead of myself, first in my head and heart. Lord, you know me because you made me. Help me make you live today in my every action.
Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/111207.shtml
Today’s readings comfort and give hope. These readings might also make us squirm. God is aware of our inmost selves and subsequent actions before a word is on (our) tongue. (Psalm 139:4) God knows what we need and what we hope. God know what we plot and what we fear. God allows us to choose. It is a choice of life or death. Because into a soul that plots evil, wisdom enters not, nor dwells she in a body under debt of sin. (Wisdom 1:4) Yet comfort is in God’s mercy. To paraphrase Jesus in the Gospel: “if you wrong God seven times in one day and return to God seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ God will forgive.” The psalmist asserts: Such knowledge (of God) is too wonderful for me; too lofty for me to attain. (Psalm 139:6)
Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr. During the 16th century in what is today Byelorussia and the Ukraine, he strove, ultimately giving his life, to rebuild and reform the church by holding synods, publishing a catechism, and enforcing rules of conduct for clergy. His greatest struggle was to hold the church together as the schism between Orthodox and Roman church grew. Josaphat rebuked his flock on their sins but gave his all in mercy and love to bring them back to God. We will probably never be called to martyrdom but we are called each day to reject sin and offer forgiveness.
Action
Why spend so much time hiding? God is already present, waiting for you. Make time, spend time, experiencing the awe and gratitude that …if I take the wings of the dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, Even there your hand shall guide me, and your right hand hold me fast. (Psalm 139:9,10)
Entering into the needs of others opens us to the mercy which God offers to us. A palanca opportunity exists at: www.courtneyscampaign.blogspot.com
Read more about St. Josaphat: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=71
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