Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. — Psalm 40:5

Mass Readings: Sirach 5:1-8 / Mark 9:41-50

Selective Hearing 

My sons seldom hear me when I shout, “Time to study!” But should I speak softly to my husband about a trip we’re planning, my boy is bound to patter downstairs to find out more! That’s selective hearing! 

Sometimes, I’m guilty of selectivity in the way I view God. I love to hear about God’s love, His mercy, His grace, His patience . . . but I prefer to skim over, or even skip altogether, references to His wrath, His judgment, His intolerance of sin. Today’s first reading, however, reminds us that “mercy and anger alike are with him.” To sin carelessly or casually, presuming on the abundance of God’s mercy, is not only “adding sin upon sin,” but also reveals a failure to have truly appreciated and appropriated God’s grace. 

Prayer: Gracious God, help me never to take for granted Your costly gift of grace.