Jesus has a double standard in working with people. He is lenient with the unbeliever. He continues to pray: "Forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34). "These were enemies of Your servants, doomed to death; yet, while You punished them with such solitude and pleading, granting time and opportunity to abandon wickedness, with what exactitude You judged Your sons" (Wis 12:20-21).
However, there's discipline for the believer (Heb 12:6-7). "The slave who knew his master's wishes but did not prepare to fulfill them will get a severe beating, whereas the one who did not know them and nonetheless deserved to be flogged will get off with fewer stripes. When much has been given a man, much will be required of him" (Lk 12:47-48).
The Lord must be strict with us, His disciples, so we will spread His salvation to the ends of the earth. He must get the plank out of our eyes so we can "see clearly enough to remove the speck" from our brother's eye (Lk 6:42). "The season of judgment has begun, and begun with God's own household" (1 Pt 4:17).
Even though the Lord is stricter with believers, now is still the time of mercy. Later, there will not be the combination of mercy and judgment we experience on this earth, but only judgment. The season of mercy will be over. Before it's too late, repent. You're first.
| PRAYER: | Father, send the Spirit to motivate me to confess my sins as soon as possible in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. |
| PROMISE: | "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has strengthened me, that He has made me His servant and judged me faithful. I was once a blasphemer." –1 Tm 1:12-13 |
| PRAISE: | Martha and Tina had such a heart for their home parish that each took a turn serving as an adult education coordinator. |
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