Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her.

Sometimes we make promises to other people that we should not keep. We let a sense of pride get in the way of doing the right thing and then after we have sinned, we make excuses or claim everything was out of our hands. However, nothing excuses us from doing the wrong thing, even the right reasons. The ends do not justify the means. We have to face the fact that sometimes we make promises that we should not keep because they are bad for others and ourselves. We should not let our likes or dislikes of others keep us from doing the right thing.

When we are faced with the choice between what is right and wrong,  how do we remind ourselves that God is watching? Have we ever let our pride get in the way of saying or doing what we ought to do? Do we allow people to impress and influence us into committing sins?

O Lord, when we are faced with the choice between good and evil give us the strength to choose the former and the wisdom to avoid the latter.

Amen.