Last weekend, we were at the Oblates Mission for the annual Deacons and Wives Retreat. Before we checked in, we decided to visit the gift shop and get a few things for our CALLED TO BE ONE Marriage Class team members who have since "retired." After the cashier checked us out and gave us out things, I looked at the receipt and noticed that she only rung up three items when we actually had six items in our bags. We did not hesitate to return to her and pointed out this discrepancy to you. Not only did she correct the error but she also told us about a discount that they give to members of the clergy, as well as waive the taxes for us. Most of all, we felt good about ourselves because we were honest with the cashier, with ourselves, and with God. I went to Confession the next day, but that was one Commandment that I did not break, a sin that I did not have to confess.
In today's Gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us to about honesty with ourselves, with others, but most importantly with God. He tells: "Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light. . ." Our faith teaches us that in the end, we will stand in judgement before God and everything that we did in life will all be laid before us. This is important for us to remember as we go through life - to be honest with ourselves, with others, and with God most of all. Growing up, this was the motto to live by and it still is: "Honesty is the best policy."
Another lesson that Jesus teaches us in today's Gospel is to put God first and foremost in our lives and never deny Him before others, saying: "Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father." In everything we say and do, we do for the glory of God. Throughout salvation history, we read of saints who suffered martyrdom for the sake of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. It takes courage to acknowledge God before others, especially when faced with peer pressure and societal pressure, but the Holy Spirit will give us the grace and courage to be bold, be Catholic.
Therefore, dearest goddaughter, in all things, be honest, be courage, be bold, and be Catholic. That is God's call to all of us as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Love,
Bỏ Phúc
P.S. These are the readings for the day: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a and Matthew 10:24-33
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