EXCUSES , EXCUSES , EXCUSES

SABBATH

It is always frustrating when you are trying to get a job done and then somebody you are relying on fails to deliver on his promises or responsibilities. It only gets worse when they give lame excuses. The worst ever excuse we can have, in my opinion, is “I didn’t feel like doing it!” This is such a lousy excuse, even tantamount to laziness and sloth put together, that it is virtually a sin. It is not acceptable when we allow our emotions to run our lives. Our emotions are meant to be servants, not masters. People talk about crimes of passion — well, that may be so, but such crimes could also be called crimes of truncated sensibility. That is, crimes that result from a refusal of the person to submit their action to common sense.

The king is inviting people to come and celebrate with him and all they do is make excuses for not coming. It is vital when someone as important as a king invites us to celebrate with him that we need to have a very serious reason to excuse ourselves from the affair. Let us never make the mistake of avoiding an invitation from God to be in His presence no matter what excuses we think we may have. That the king then turns away someone who comes unprepared also indicates that moments of grace, once passed, do not return. Doors of opportunity open in our spiritual lives for a limited time and we need to be aware of them so that we do not miss them. The saints are experts at doing this and so if we want to learn how to improve our chances, let us commit to read about their lives and the way they responded to God’s call. The saints are not just there as ornaments to the Church but to be examples of holiness and discipleship. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL   Reflection Question: Do I tend to make excuses rather than remain faithful to my commitments? If so, what am I going to do about this?   Holy Spirit, help me to change for the better. Help me to know how I can become more faithful to my commitments and responsibilities.   Sts. Leo & Juliana, pray for us.