Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

 

The Prophet Ezekiel has some strong words for the leader of Tyre (the ancient Phoenician port city) who in his haughtiness believes himself to be something greater than who he really is. Ezekiel exclaims, “Yet you are a man, and not a god, however, you may think yourself like a god.” This foreign leader was blinded by the many riches that he exalted himself in his own eyes.

This egregious sin might make us recall the third chapter of Genesis when Adam and Eve were living in harmony with God, but they were tempted by the Evil One to doubt God’s plan for their happiness. The serpent said, “God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil” (Gen 3:5). In their temptation to be “like gods,” Adam and Eve were disobedient to God’s command, which is to say that they did not listen to God but listened instead to their own voice. The first sin was a refusal to listen to the voice of God, an abuse of freedom, and a decision to act against a relationship.

The truth is that God already invites us to a unique relationship — to be beloved sons and daughters. To refuse such a relationship is to follow a destructive path of pride and arrogance. It may look like the wicked triumph in this world, but it is foolishness, and their end is destruction.

The relationship you are offered comes from a loving God who created you to be in union with Him. You have to identify the subtle and cunning voice of pride in your life so that you can faithfully respond to the love God offers you.

Reflection Question: Where do I tend to follow my own voice, and struggle to listen to God’s voice?

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB

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