Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Should I thus pretend for the sake of a brief moment of life, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor on my old age. Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty. Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.

When we are faced with choices in this life, we need to think not only of the effect our decision will have on us, but also on others. What people see us do influences them, especially the young, who are impressionable. If they see us take the easy way out or use deception to get what we want, then they will carry that lesson into their lives. We might not even know how our sins effect them in this life, but when we die God will show us how we lead others astray. At the same time, if we do good and avoid evil, then we give others an example of what it means to be Christian. We show them how to live our lives in imitation of Jesus and to be not afraid to become living sacrifices to God’s Glory.

Do we think about others before we make our decisions? How can we live lives that model what it means to be Christians? What can we do to show others, especially the young how to know, love, and serve God and His children?

O Lord, make us into noble examples of how to sacrifice ourselves for you.

Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

It isn’t easy being a light for the world. It can be tempting to hide our faith in order to avoid conflicts with our family, friends, and neighbors. We might do so because we don’t feel good enough or knowledgeable enough to present ourselves as Christians. We might not feel confident enough to proclaim the Good News or be willing enough to take that leap of faith that is required to become witnesses to the faith. However, if we want to be found worthy of heaven and share in the promise of eternal life, then we need to put aside our fears, doubts, and anxieties and bear the light of Christ into the world. If we want our families, friend, and neighbors to grow in holiness, then we need to burn with the light of love and mercy. It is through our good words and works that others come to see the goodness of our Heavenly Father and glorify Him.

How are we a light of God’s Love and Mercy for our families and friends? How are we a beacon of truth for our neighbors and the whole world? What can we do to enkindle, sustain, and grow the fires of our faith and the faith of others?

O Lord, may the lights of our lives shine before others and lead them to you.

Amen.