A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

Wisdom 2:17-20 Psalms 54:3-4, 5, 6-8 James 3:16--4:3 Mark 9:30-37

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s readings may not be the easiest to read, but they are very important and speak a lot of truth.  For example, take the first reading from Wisdom:

"The wicked say:
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings,
reproaches us for transgressions of the law
and charges us with violations of our training.
Let us see whether his words be true;
let us find out what will happen to him.
For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes.
With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test
that we may have proof of his gentleness
and try his patience.
Let us condemn him to a shameful death;
for according to his own words, God will take care of him."

Before analyzing this reading too much, I think it is important to note that life is full of tests. And sadly, not all of those tests are right and fair. People like to test each other, which is and isn’t good given the circumstances, and we can treat others rather poorly.  I’d imagine everyone has been tested at least once in their life to stand up for something that they believe in. I know I have. I am not entirely sure why people act the way that they do, nor why we feel we must judge and persecute others for the things they feel strongly about. But I do know this; there are people in this life that want to see us fail because they themselves are too insecure. They will never admit it brothers and sisters, but it is true. Putting us down gives them a sense of pride that their actions are justifiable.  

Sometimes the victim is so down trodden, that he or she may not know how to handle the situation and may break; even when he or she knows they have done nothing wrong. And yes, I am speaking a lot from personal experience. It is hard to have people try to bring you down by bashing on the things you love and believe. Even our own Lord Jesus Christ had to suffer this type of torture from his foes. Just because his enemies were the biggest bullies on the playground did not mean that they had the right to boss him around and make him a personal punching bag. And just like kids, they said that his Father said he would save him, but where is he now?

While I am a fairly pacifist person, I do believe that we should fight for the things we believe in. I know it is hard to always stand up for what we believe when no one else believes us and is ridiculing us. However, in the long run I promise that it will be worth it.  Not enough people do this, and rather go with the flow to not be judged. 

W.W.J.D. "What would Jesus do?"

He would stick true to the things he believed in and would not let his faith waver. He would put faith in the God almighty to help him in a rough situation (maybe not to escape it, but to give him peace in his heart, knowing he was making the right move).

Finally, I want to end on the idea that 'the best things in life are not easy, but that is what makes them so worthwhile' … or maybe better phrased…'standing up for what you believe is not easy, but it shows that you care enough about something to stand up for it' (which is truly amazing if you ask me). Also, we must be open to God because he will be our biggest cheerleader. And finally ( I promise this is the last little nugget)  BE YOURSELF, because that is the best thing we could ever be in this life, because God made us each unique. Let us be proud of who we are and don’t let others defile the way God made us.