REFLECTIONS TODAY

Jesus instructs his disciples to be extra careful not to “scandalize” the little ones. These “little ones” may refer to those members of the young Christian community whose faith is still not solid, such as the catechumens, the young converts, and the faltering believers. The Greek word skandalon refers to “things that cause one to sin”—not just sexual or immoral conduct, but also other behaviors contrary to the Christian way. As the early Christians struggle to find their identity, distinct from the Judaic traditions and in the midst of a Greco-Roman cultural environ, there will be many instances of misbehaviors, conflicts, or misinterpretations of teachings. On the part of the elder stewards, this requires a mixture of rebuke and reconciliation to address the motley of mistakes and challenges. Rebuke for those who cause others to fall, but forgiveness for the repentant offenders—is the way they strengthen and increase each other’s faith.

Gospel • Lk 17:1-6 
Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 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.” 

And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.