The Pharisees, the "religious elite" of Jesus' day, used to moan: "Had we lived in our forefathers' time we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood" (Mt 23:30). This claim of theirs got under Jesus' skin, and He said in response, "Thus you show that you are the sons of the prophets' murderers. Now it is your turn: fill up the vessel measured out by your forefathers" (Mt 23:31-32). They criticized the sins of their fathers, while committing the same sins themselves.
Today, we white "religious folks" say we're appalled at the treatment of black people by our white ancestors. We tell ourselves that black people now have equal opportunities for education and employment, ignoring the millions of unemployed blacks.
The nails were driven into Jesus' hands and feet for all people, yet we continue our sinful prejudice. We say we wonder how anyone or any group could commit such atrocities as Hitler and the Nazis did. Meanwhile, Jesus wonders how we can stand by idly while millions upon millions of children are cut to pieces inside the womb.
Let's stop filling up the vessels measured out by our forefathers (Mt 23:32). The Lord calls us to repent, be forgiven, be holy in His sight, and full of love (Eph 1:4, 7).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, deliver me from the futile way of life my fathers handed on to me (1 Pt 1:18). |
| PROMISE: | "It is in Christ and through His blood that we have been redeemed and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is God's favor to us." –Eph 1:7-8 |
| PRAISE: | The North American Martyrs endured incredible tortures from those of other races in order to break down barriers and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. One martyr, Fr. Charles Garnier, was shot while baptizing children and catechumens. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College