Today's readings can be found: [HERE].
"If I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life" (Ezekiel 33:8-9).
To a certain extent, we are expected to be "our brother's keeper," and to admonish the sinner, and to encourage the aspiring saint. Saint Paul in our first reading today testifies in his own behalf: "I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God."
In our gospel passage, Jesus prays to his Father and speaks of his return to the Father. But this will only happen now that the Son has glorified the Father and revealed his Name to the disciples who would be sent out to continue the gospel proclamation.
The best service we can give to our neighbor is to share the good news of salvation to whomever we meet. That good news is the greatest light we can share in this very dark world. May God bless you.
Eustache Le Sueur's "The Preaching of Saint Paul at Ephesus" [Wikipedia]
Comments