How comforting and hopeful it is to think that our Lord may bring peace and restoration to our world even today, as he promised to restore the land of Judah! The Lord calls us to embrace the truth and respond to His divine power. He asks us to seek forgiveness so we may be reconciled with Him. It is also wise to pray that all people recognize their sin and seek forgiveness. Wouldn’t it be a peaceful world if all people recognized their failures, repented for their sins, and committed themselves to living a life of love!

Today’s Gospel message clearly beckons us not only to hear or read the Word of God, but to live it. At the end of each Mass, we firmly proclaim “Amen” in response to the mission for us to go forth and live the Gospel. Therefore, it all begins with and depends on us to actually live the Gospel – to be the Gospel. It means removing ourselves from any pedestal we may have erected, doing away with the notion of living a life of self-importance. It is not easy to forgive those who have hurt us, nor to put the needs of another ahead of our own, nor to sacrifice our own needs for the needs of another. One would look at how some react to a long traffic line and listen to horns blaring at one another! How far sharing a smile or holding a door can spread the Gospel message!

We may want to begin by looking within our hearts to see where we may be failing. Sin is ugly, easy to diagnose, and causes guilt and shame. Let us repent of sin and seek the strength of the Eucharist to be Jesus to others! What a wonderful world this could be!

Prayer:

Loving God, we give you praise as you are the Lord of all! Thank you for the gift of life, and especially thank you for those you have blessed us with, those loved ones both here and in Heaven who have loved us and taught us the way of love. Forgive our sins, for those times we have put ourselves ahead of others and even you. Help me today to see your will for me and guide my heart and steps. Amen.