Daily Reflection for Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032322.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Responsorial: Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
“Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19a
What kind of legacy will your life on earth leave? What countenance, tone or example will you leave behind for children, grandchildren, friends, or acquaintances? What spirit will you leave behind?
When I think of beloved family and friends who have died, I can recall and sense the spirit they lived and the essence they left behind. I learned so much from them and continue to live some of their legacy. Fortunately, most of the people in my life were good at heart. I learned from both the good and not so great people.
What if I had been taught that succeeding in life involves lying and cheating, destroying others to feel superior, and fighting to win at any cost?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is warning his followers to be careful what we teach.
I remember one trip to the grocery store many years ago with our four children aged 6, 4, 3 and 1. After loading the cart, checking out, putting groceries in the car and kids buckled into car seats, I noticed our son had a 10-cent tootsie pop in his hand. Oh no! We didn’t pay for it. I couldn’t let him think it’s okay to steal. The kids and I tromped back into the store so our son could explain to the manager that he had taken the tootsie pop. The manager asked how he was going to pay for it. After some thinking our son asked if he could borrow 10-cents and pay it back with money from his piggy bank. The manager agreed and they set an appointment for Jamon to return the next day with his dime. As we were driving home after paying his debt, our son said, “Whew! I’m glad that business is over.”
We teach our children, grandchildren, friends, and foes by the example we set, how we live our lives, how we treat them, and how we resolve problems. How will they remember us? What are we passing on to them and future generations?
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty