Reflection on Today's Scripture - 10/03/2025

See blog post Baruch 1:15-22

I am not well-acquainted with this particular book in the Bible. It comes after the Ten Commandments, so the people of that time were aware of God's expectations but chose not to follow them. Although this scripture is ancient and not included in all religious traditions, I find it very relevant to today's society. We have strayed so far from God's commandments at both national and global levels that it's hard to imagine heaven being crowded.

Lately, I've become more conscious of the sins I commit daily, and when I do, I pray for forgiveness and try to stop repeating them. It might be something minor, like snapping at my husband or my dog. I used to justify some sins. For instance, I've spent a lot of time recently watching social media, especially the reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I'm extremely upset that anyone would think assassination is justified and naive to expect kindness and humanity, but what I've found is so appalling that I feel our world has little hope of redemption. The sins of those who celebrated are so ungodly that they must be influenced by evil. Who celebrates death except in third-world countries? I often hear "Death to America," "Death to Israel," or "death to anyone with a different opinion," and I wonder who is in charge of this world because it doesn't seem to be God!

This leads me to judge others and lash out. However, through prayer and scripture, I'm realizing that it's not my place; only God can judge sinners, including myself. I've responded to some of these individuals on social media by pointing out their ignorance about who Charlie Kirk really was. I've made some condescending remarks, but it's foolish since the only ones reading these posts are my friends or family, who are kind and not extreme. Those celebrating are likely on the fringe and unstable. We must not fuel their hateful rhetoric. Additionally, I've developed some empathy for our youth. They've been influenced by the media, which only seeks to sow division. We must remain faithful, be mindful of our actions towards others, and strive for kindness, avoiding this madness. How much can I really do for them? My comments won't change their minds and only cause me more distress. It's a sin of my soul to invest effort in trying, leading to my own suffering. I'm responsible for my own suffering when I attempt to take on God's role. I recently read an article in the Catholic Thing that resonated with me. Here's an extract I found particularly interesting.

Jonathan Swift’s warning (from A Letter to a Young Gentleman, Lately Enter’d Into Holy Orders by a Person of Quality, 1721): “Reasoning will never make a Man correct an ill Opinion, which by Reasoning he never acquired.” In other words, “It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he never used reason to arrive at in the first place.”

I may have lost track on my refelction here but this is what came to my mind. I have been a sinner all my life and I constantly try to correct those sins. For me, I am trying very hard to humble myself and leave judgement to our Lord.

Peace be with you, Mo Rae