“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Tuesday, 6th June 2017,
Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Tob 2: 9-14;
Ps 1118: 1-2, 7-9;
Mk 12: 13-17.
NAVIGATING THROUGH SNARES!
The Pharisees and Herodians try to ensnare Jesus in His speech. They act cunningly to draw Jesus to speak in opposition to Caesar, and thus get Him in trouble with the Roman authorities. But interestingly, what they say of Jesus is quite true and is a great virtue.
They said two things that highlight Jesus’ virtues of humility and sincerity: “You are not concerned with anyone’s opinion;” and “You do not regard a person’s status.” Jesus does not fall for their trick and does outsmart them in the end.
If we reflect on these two virtues, we realize that our lives are seldom founded on them. Firstly, we concern ourselves with others’ opinions. It is very important to listen to others and to consult them and to be open minded. Other people’s insights can be crucial to making good decisions in life. But we allow others to dictate our actions out of fear. Sometimes negative and wrong “opinions” control us. Jesus never gave in to the false opinions of others nor did He allow the pressure of those opinions to change how He acted.
Secondly, Jesus did not allow the “status” of another to influence Him. A position of power or influence does not necessarily make one person more correct than another. What’s important is the sincerity, integrity and truthfulness of each person. Jesus exercised this virtue perfectly.
Let us reflect today whether these words could also be said about us. Let us strive to live a life of integrity and humility, and thus navigate the most difficult snares of life like Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I do want to be a person of honesty and integrity. I want to listen to the good advice of others but not be influenced by the errors or pressures that may also come my way. Help me to always seek You and Your truth in all things. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
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