7 November 2016 - not milling about

[ Today's Readings ]

We need to be a people of faith, who follow Jesus, and long for his face above all else. It is possible, even imperfect as we are, to follow Jesus closely enough that we don't cause the little ones to sin.

We can be so close to Jesus that even though things that cause sin inevitably occur we ourselves never cause scandal to the weak and the small, even to those who are all to easily led astray. The secret is not in ourselves for we do fail from time to time. This is why Jesus gives us the sacrament of reconciliation. But if we are close enough to Jesus our own weakness and repentance will be testimony to the truth of his word. It is quite different from indulging in sinfulness. The world might see that even Christians have broken relationships. This is OK as long as they also see forgiveness at work.

Be on your guard!
If your brother sins, rebuke him;
and if he repents, forgive him.
And if he wrongs you seven times in one day 
and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’
you should forgive him.”

It isn't perfection that prevents the little ones from being led astray. It is our persistence, empowered by the mercy of Jesus himself. So with the Apostles we pray, "Increase our faith." We don't have as much faith yet as we are called to have. If we can only receive such faith then miracles around us are multiplied and more people can come to believe.

for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones
and the recognition of religious truth,
in the hope of eternal life 
that God, who does not lie, promised before time began,
who indeed at the proper time revealed his word
in the proclamation with which I was entrusted
by the command of God our savior

This faith and recognition in the hope of eternal life is what it is all about. It is why Paul is so concerned about who becomes a bishop. He doesn't want us, as little ones, to be led astray. He wants faith at least the size of a mustard seed at work in building the kingdom. He wants to ensure that the hope of eternal life is proclaimed to anyone who will listen.

He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.