February 15, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.-- Psalm 32:7

Mass readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 / 1 Corinthians 10:31--11:1 / Mark 1:40-45

People Pleasing

''Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks of the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way . . . .'' Whoa! Wait a minute, Paul. You . . . a people pleaser? You confronted Peter, split with Barnabas, showered sarcasm on the high priest, and called the Galatians idiots. OK, I didn't let you finish today's second reading; I'm sorry.

''. . . not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved.'' Now I get it. Your overriding concern was others' salvation, so you avoided doing anything that might upset them and lead them not to listen to the Gospel. That's different from the type of people pleasing that essentially is either timidity or an attempt to buy the approval of others.

Prayer: St. Paul, help me never to harm the Gospel by giving offense.