We are living in a kind of world that was unimaginable a few decades ago,

thanks to the radical and lightning-fast developments in science and technology.

when it comes to discerning matters of the spirit,

we live in denial of the existence of God or live as if our earthly life would go on forever,

failing to store up treasures in heaven. Jesus calls for better discernment today.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Romans 7:18-25a

I know

that what is right does not abide in me, I mean, in my flesh. I can want to do what is right, but I am unable to do it. In fact I do not do the good I want, but the evil I hate. Therefore, if I do what I do not want to do, I am not the one striving towards evil, but Sin which is in me.

 

I discover, then, this reality: though I wish to do what is right, the evil within me asserts itself first. My inmost self agrees and rejoices with the law of God, but I notice in my body another law challenging the law of the spirit, and delivering me as a slave to the law of sin written in my members. Alas, for me! Who will free me from this being which is only death? Let us give thanks to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

 

Ps 119:66, 68, 76, 77,93,94 Lord, teach me your statutes,

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊      

Luke 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once 'A shower is coming! And so it happens. And when the wind blows from the south, you say: 'It will be hot'; and so it is. You superficial people! You understand the signs of the earth and the sky, but you don't understand the present times.

 

And why do you not judge for yourselves what is fit? When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way, lest he drag you before the judge and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer throw you in prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

 

"Avoiding sin requires God's grace."

I think that all of us have felt like Paul at some point in our lives. We know the right thing to do and we want to do it, but somehow we find ourselves doing the wrong thing anyway. This happens in all aspects of our lives. We know that we should eat healthy food and get regular exercise, yet we find ourselves eating fast food on the couch while we stream videos.

 

As parents, we know that we should remain calm and patient with our children, yet we find ourselves yelling when the kids start bickering - again. We know that we should avoid sin, yet we find ourselves confessing the same sins time and again.

 

So how do we change this pattern? First, we need to recognize that we cannot do it on our own. Avoiding sin requires God's grace. In prayer, we need to ask God to grant us the grace we need to avoid the occasions of sin. Then, we can look at the people, places, and things that lead us to sin. God's grace will help to shore up our will against these temptations.