Twenty-First Thursday of Ordinary Time

Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.

We are constantly setting an example for others in everything we say and do. If we speak harshly or gossip, others will hear us and know us as hypocrites. If we always slack off, avoid what is right, or sin, then others will see what we do and know us to be wicked. If we set a bad example for others, then who are we to complain when others do evil to us? Worse yet, if our sins cause others to follow us into evil, then we shall be held accountable. So when we speak, our words should be formed and spoken in love. When we act, our actions should have their source, center, and summit in God’s Charity and Mercy. We should desire to be role-models for all whom we meet, leading them toward God’s good works and away from sin and evil deeds. We should seek to strengthen the faith, hope, and love of others, not weaken it so when we pass on God will know us to be true believers... blameless in holiness.

Are we role-models of faith, hope, and love? How can we increase and abound in love for one another and for all? What can we do to strengthen the hearts of others so they might be blameless in their holiness?

O Lord, help us to lead others to holiness.

Amen.