Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Luke 17:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples,
"Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,
but woe to the one through whom they occur.
It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck
and he be thrown into the sea
than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
Be on your guard!
If your brother sins, rebuke him;
and if he repents, forgive him.
And if he wrongs you seven times in one day
and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,'
you should forgive him."

And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you would say to this mulberry tree,
'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."

Reflection

One of the main themes of Jesus’ ministry is forgiveness. And it was difficult for the disciples to understand the reason forgiveness is so important because sin has a way of causing others to sin. If someone does something bad to you in their world of justice of the Old Testament, you can do something bad to them. So Jesus makes it clear that the real obligation is never, ever to return sin for sin.

And they just are baffled by it., and that's why they turn to Him and say this is so hard, please increase my belief in you. And what He’s saying indirectly is, look if you believe in me you will be able to do this. The key is you think you have to be able to do this. It's not you, it's me in you.

Trust in me, in you to take you to places you thought you could never be.

Closing Prayer

Father, help us to rely on your power in us when we listen to the things you call us to be. We cannot do what the kingdom asks our own. We can only do it with you dwelling in us, guiding us, awakening us, and challenging us. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross