HOW FAR THEY HAD MISSED THE MARK
"A tree is known by its
fruit" (Lk 6:44).
Let us not miss the mark!
Let us not miss the mark!
In today's Gospel Jesus says, "Woe to you
who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently,
you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they
killed them and you do the building" (Lk 11:47-48). Then Jesus said again, "Woe to you,
scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves
did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter" (Lk 11:52). These are
strong words from Jesus, for the religious leaders have truly missed the mark.
The saint we remember today is Ignatius of
Antioch, who followed St. Peter as bishop and head of the Church at Antioch and
who died a martyr's death. Ignatius was committed to his faith in the Lord. We
know about him primarily through the letters he wrote. One theme in his letters
remains as important for the Church today as it was in his time. He encourages
the Church to live in unity, sustained by love, while standing on sound
doctrine. He believed dying for the Faith is a witness of one's faith and that
it was a privilege. He trusted Jesus' words in the Gospels. St. Ignatius of
Antioch is an example of one's service can require that he give everything,
including his life. He didn't miss the mark!
Our Responsorial Psalm can help us on our Christian
journey today: "If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But
with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered. With the Lord is mercy and
fullness of redemption" (Ps 130:3-4, 7). Let us remember that the Gifts of
the Spirit will produce the fruit that is needed to live a good life; love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control.
We recall what Jesus said so clearly, "A
tree is known by its fruit" (Lk 6:44).
Let us not miss the mark!