Click here for today’s Scripture readings.

Wis 1:1-7
Lk 17:1-6

Today’s reading from the Book of Wisdom is a beautiful exhortation to seek God “in integrity of heart.” To do so is to reflect God’s own wisdom.  This wisdom is “a kindly spirit.”  It flees deceit, withdraws from senseless counsels, rebukes injustice.  However, the language suggests not so much that God punishes these things as that in the presence of the divine wisdom they are revealed to be what they truly are—the antithesis of the “kindly spirit.”  They are evil fruits springing from the absence of integrity of heart.

In the Gospel passage, Jesus puts forth some practical guidelines for those who do seek the Lord with integrity.  These people are careful to avoid scandalizing the weak.  They correct error, but they patiently and repeatedly forgive anyone who shows contrition for having offended them.  They have unwavering faith in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles.  As we join in the day’s psalm response, we plead that we may be numbered among them:  “Guide us, Lord, along the everlasting way.”

- Sr. Mary O’Brien, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Sister’s community in Union City, NJ.

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