be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck. Truly, this would be better for that
person, than to cause one of these little ones to fall.
Listen carefully: if your brother offends you, tell him, and if he is sorry, forgive him. And if he
offends you seven times in one day, but seven times he says to you, ‘I’m sorry,’ forgive him.”
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” And the Lord said, “If you have faith, even
the size of a mustard seed, you may say to this tree, ‘Be uprooted, and plant yourself in the
sea!’ and it will obey you.
Reflect
Today’s readings are so filled with excellent advice that it can be difficult to parse out all the
elements. But this advice can be summed up rather simply as follows: seek wisdom and show
mercy. By seeking wisdom, we will grow closer to God, the source of all wisdom. We will learn
how to live justly and honestly, avoiding sin and scandal. Since the beginning of wisdom is the
fear of the Lord, drawing near to wisdom means that our faith will increase as we come to know
God better.
Yet such wisdom should not lead us to a sense of superiority over others. Instead, those who are
wiser in the eyes of God offer loving service to those in need and forgiveness to those who have
hurt them. Wisdom does not mingle with sin and deceit but purifies our hearts and minds. may we
grow wise in the ways of God and follow him with simple, holy hearts.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023