Wednesday 4^th February – Wednesday of week 4 of the year

Reflection: Hebrews 12: 4-7, 11-15

HEED CORRECTION!

Certain fundamentals in our character go a long way in determining how far we will go in life. One of such is our attitude towards correction. Sometimes, we make mistakes that we are aware of; other times we are unaware of our errors (Ps 19:12). It takes humility to accept correction. Meekness and the willingness to grow demand the acknowledgement that though we have been called to perfection in Christ Jesus (Mt 5:48), none of us can claim to be perfect yet (Is 64:6).

If correction is a necessity for growth and improvement, what is your attitude towards correction? Do you neglect or resent correction? Beloved, neither is promotive. To neglect correction is to accept complacency and jettison the needed drive for improvement. Such a way of life can never lead us to the desired height to which God has called us. On the other hand, resentment of correction is an affirmation of a proud heart. A proud person is ever unwilling to acknowledge his mistakes; he would rather excuse or deny them even when convicted by his conscience. Such readily find “scape goats”, holding others responsible for their misdeeds.

As youths, we are in the prime of our strength with lots of adventures and aspirations. In our decision making, the tendency is very high to neglect the wisdom and corrections of elders. However let us be reminded that as experience can never be bought, there is need to give consideration to the counsel and correction of elders and not to out rightly dismiss them as “old fashion” as some of us often do. We don’t have all the years to repeat the errors of those ahead of us! Let us learn from them.

Accepting correction should not be limited to only those older than us; we should open our minds to the possibilities of meaningful correction from our peers and subordinates. God can speak to us through any person! He as well counsels us and corrects us through situations and events around us. Let us develop a discerning heart to know when He is speaking to us.

PRAYER: Oh Lord! Dispel every form of complacency and pride from my heart that I may heed the correction You bring my way. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 235 Can I make a confession even if I have not committed any serious sins?

Confession is a great gift of healing that brings about closer union with the Lord, even if, strictly speaking, you do not have to go to confession….Christians who take seriously their decision to follow Jesus seek the joy that comes from a radical new beginning with God. Even the saints went to confession regularly, if possible. They needed it in order to grow in humility and charity, so as to allow themselves to be touched by God’s healing light even in the inmost recesses of their souls.

HIDE A TREASURE: “He who heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reprove goes astray.” Proverbs 10:17 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Hebrews 12: 4-7, 11-15; Psalm 103: 1-2, 13-14, 17-18; Mark 6: 1-6