BEING RESPONSIBLE IN OUR LIFE
"I will
judge you... each one according to his ways" (Ez 18:30).
In
today's first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel, the Israelites had the proverb
we read today which laid the blame for their problems on their ancestors. But
it's gone far too long, our heavenly Father says through Ezekiel. People are
responsible for their own actions. "I will judge you... each one according
to his ways" (Ez 18:30). We too must ponder on our degree of
responsibility; we alone know the past and present, that affect us for good and
troublesome times. No one else can substitute for our conscience. We are called
to turn and be converted from are old ways says the Lord...
Let's
consider the Gospel of Matthew today. "The Kingdom of Heaven
belongs," Jesus tells us, "to such as these" (Mt 19:14). For
those who receive it like children receive most things, as a gift. Even our
ability to be responsible is a response to God, which through grace we already
receive from Him; we just need to see it!
The
Responsorial Psalm is a prayer that helps us recognize who we are and our
responsibilities. "Cast me not out from Your presence, and Your Holy
Spirit take not from me. Give me back the joy of Your salvation, and a willing
spirit sustain in me" (Ps 51:13 - 14).