Daily Bible Reflections - November 12,2012

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND

 

“If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” – Luke 17:1

 

“Leave her alone. That’s what she wants to do,” said my teenage niece, butting in as I was scolding my other younger niece for a misdeed. I became furious when I heard that.

It’s unfortunate that there are children of this generation who think that way — that no one should mind them because it’s their life anyway. They do not realize that whatever it is they do or say will affect the people around them. They equate a reprimand with meddling, but that is not the case.

English poet John Donne once wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself... any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.” But how many of us are constantly aware that we are responsible for our neighbor?

We are one another’s guardians of truth and goodness, much as we are all God-appointed stewards of the earth. When we see a child, a good friend, a brother, a sister, or even a parent going the wrong way, let us care enough to pull them back to the path of righteousness in the best way possible. In the same way, let’s be open to correction. Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Have you ever let someone you know get away with a misdeed? Why?

 

Father, help me become a light to others.

 

St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr, pray for us.