Wednesday 25^th November – Wednesday of week 34 of the year

Reflection: Daniel 5: 1-6, 13-17, 23-28

LOOK INTO THE MIRROR

As the Church’s liturgical calendar draws to a close and we move closer to the end of the year 2015, there is no better time for us than now to examine ourselves and see how well we have fared through this year. “An unexamined life,” it is often said is “not worth living”. Taking time for self-examination is indispensable if we are to grow in holiness and as we examine ourselves, seek God’s mercy and make conscious efforts in striving against our human nature, we will keep ourselves from condemnation.

Belshazzar’s downfall in today’s first reading occured because he failed to examine himself, thus allowing the sin of pride to overcome him. He had become great, being the ruler of the whole world and had fought and won numerous battles. But he did not recognise the hands of the Almighty God at work in his life. Despite the humiliating experience his father, Nebuchadnezzar had gotten because of his pride, Belshazzar did not learn from it and humble himself before God. Hence, “he had been measured on the balance and found wanting” (Dan 5:27).

Dear friend, what is that vice that is holding you captive? Take time to examine yourself today. Do you have traces of the seven capital sins in your life? Pride, anger, greed, lust, gluttony, envy, sloth – all these open the door to more grievous sins. God gives us a chance today to weigh our own selves while we still can and make the necessary amends so that He will not weigh us at the end of time and find us wanting.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please shed the light of your Spirit into my heart. Open my eyes to see myself as I really am and seek for your pardon and grace in my areas of weakness. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 229 – What prepares a person for repentance?

The insight into one’s personal guilt produces a longing to better oneself; this is called contrition. We arrive at contrition when we see the contradiction between God’s love and our sin. Then we are full of sorrow for our sins; we resolve to change our life and place all our hope in God’s help

HIDE A TREASURE: “But if we judge ourselves truly, we should not be judged.” 1 Cor 11:31 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Dan 5: 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Dan 3: 62-67 (canticle); Lk 21: 12-19