Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Today's Readings
Read today's readings at USCCB →The Reading
Though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us. - Wisdom 12:18
Reflection
God's might is the source of justice, and he uses it to be lenient. The power that could demand perfection chooses clemency instead. This is not weakness - Wisdom says the opposite. When his power is disbelieved, he shows it. But toward us, he governs with much lenience.
The mixed field is this leniency made visible. The weeds are not pulled immediately. The wheat is given time to grow. The harvest waits. And the last word Jesus gives is not the burning but the shining - the righteous will shine like the sun.
We do not know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit intercedes in exactly the place we cannot reach ourselves.
The Challenge
Where do you need to receive God's clemency rather than his judgment right now - for yourself, not for someone else? Name it. Bring it to the one who governs with much lenience. Then extend the same leniency to one person in your field this week.
One Prayer
Lord, you judge with clemency and govern with much lenience. Let me receive that today for the specific thing I have been too hard on myself about. And let me pass it on. Precious Blood of Jesus, save us. Amen.
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