STRIVE FOR VIRTUE
“Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:19
One of the most interesting conversations that I ever had with a close
friend was a debate about the Ten Commandments. She scolded me for
saying the Lord’s name in vain and told me that if I didn’t stop it, I
would never make it to heaven. In my defense, I explained that other
people violated worse commandments than I did all the time. They commit
adultery, steal, kill and lie. So I felt that taking the Lord’s name in
vain was a minor offense. Surely God wouldn’t turn me away for such a
small infraction when there were others who had disobeyed the gravest of
His demands.
She then said something so sensible that I will never forget. “God
didn’t list those commandments so that you can pick and choose which
ones you have or don’t have to follow. He never categorized them into
minor or major offenses. The point of those commandments is to follow
every single one. Those are His laws and none are made to be broken.”
I lost the debate that day but I gained an important insight about my
personal values — to see my flaws as inexcusable and to strive for a
virtuous life in every way. Eleanore Teo (elyo.lee@gmail.com)
Reflection: What bad habits do you need to eradicate in your life?
Lord, guide me as I stop accepting my shortcomings carelessly and start cooperating with Your grace to become a better person.
Blessed Joachima, pray for us.
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