First Reading: (Romans 7:18–25a)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 119)
R: Teach me your statutes, O Lord.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Alleluia.
Gospel: (Luke 12:54–59)
Reflection
All week, the Church has led us to reflect on the Last Things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Each day has reminded us that life is short, death is certain, and the hour is unknown.
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On Monday, Jesus warned that wealth cannot save us from death.
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On Tuesday, we were urged not to live like fools, forgetting eternity.
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On Wednesday, we were told not to delay our preparation, for death can come at any moment.
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On Thursday, we were exhorted to choose friendship with Jesus, even over friendship with the world.
Today, Jesus adds a final warning: reconcile now, before it is too late.
Just as two people should settle a dispute before it reaches the court, Jesus tells us to settle our souls before we stand at the judgment seat of God. A simple problem becomes complicated once it reaches court: it costs more, involves more people, exposes more shame, and may lead to prison.
So, it is with the soul.
Now, while we are “on the way,” we still have time.
Now, while we breathe, we can:
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forgive and ask forgiveness
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seek peace
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confess our sins
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return to God
But after death, it will no longer be in our hands. The case will be God’s. We risk purgatory, and even then, we depend on others to pray for us. And who will remember us for long? Today is the time. A stitch in time saves nine.
So, let us not carry grudges, sins, or pride to the judgment. Go to confession. Reconcile. Fix it while it is still easy to fix. Make peace with God and with one another. Time is a gift, and today it is still on our side.
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