As a parent of six children, having catch phrases that can immediately clue my kids into modifying their behavior has been critical to my sanity. Some examples are, “The giver chooses when to share,” “It’s my turn to be speaking right now,” and “Celia’s eating blackberries.” I imagine you can infer what might have been happening which caused me to use the first two phrases, but that last one is a bit trickier.
There is a children’s book that our family has read as part of our homeschool curriculum entitled, “Celia’s Eating Blackberries.” In the story, two sisters are playing in the backyard. The older sister, Alice, entices her younger sister, Celia, to stand on a bucket and pluck forbidden blackberries from over the fence. Then, Celia hands them to her sister who promptly eats them. Celia ends up covered in berry juice, but Alice is perfectly clean. In the end, Alice gets in trouble for leading her sister to wrongdoing while trying to cover up her own sin.
Today’s reading brought this story of Celia and Alice to mind. Jesus tells us, “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers” (Matt 13:41). Notice it’s not just those who have done evil, but also those who cause others to sin. Whether by omission or commission, I think we can all think of a time when we were the reason someone else sinned.
Jesus is reminding us that we were made for community. We each have the opportunity to positively or negatively impact the souls of the people around us. The weeds and the wheat grow together among people too. Our actions can have far-reaching consequences, beyond what we can even imagine. Have you ever considered that your kindness, generosity, selflessness, or compassion today could be the spark someone needs to begin a path toward God? When was the last time you thanked someone for leading you on a path toward holiness, when they could have done the opposite?
Daily Reading
Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Ez 2:8—3:4 The Lord GOD said to me:As for you, son of man, obey me when I speak to you:be not rebellious like this house of rebellion,but open…
Saint of the Day
Pope Saint Pontian
Pope Saint Pontian, who reigned from 230-235, holds the distinction of being the first pontiff to abdicate.
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