Monday, November 11, 2013

Luke 17:1-6: Daily Gospel XXI

For reference, here's the link: USCCB link to daily readings

I think the first few lines really caught my attention:  “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur."

Not through which they occur, but through whom they occur.  There can be occasions of sin, but that sin still comes through people, whether somebody encouraging the sin or the sinner.  Things can be tempting, but sin originates in the hearts of mankind.  Still, even though Jesus says it would be better for a millstone to be hung around the neck of the person causing sin, if they repent they are to be forgiven.  Hey, wait, how can I forgive them if they're in the sea with a millstone?  Hmm...

Also, after His discourse on forgiveness, the Apostles ask Him to increase their faith.  It takes some serious faith, lots of loving, and LOTS of dying to self to forgive, especially when the other person has acted deliberately against you.  You feel like you're the one missing out when you're doing the forgiving, like your opinion isn't being heard, and you don't matter in this situation. 

We need faith in God and His abundant grace to be the rebuker and forgiver of our brethren.  It hurts to point out wrong-doing, and it hurts almost more sometimes to let it go.  It is the just person who will see clearly what is wrong, reveal it as such, and then give it up to God to handle.

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