Psalm Reflection: Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

“Who can detect trespasses? Cleanse me from my inadvertent sins.” - Psalm 19:13

Do you worry about what other people think? In some way I think all of us do, especially if we are on social media, which is all designed to say and do things that others “like,” “share,” or “comment” on. If that is where we look for validation, we can often be tempted to change what we say, what we do and how we present ourselves so that we will be accepted by others, because that is easier than going against the grain. However, we see constantly in the Gospels that to be a disciple of Jesus Christ means to be counter-cultural, to be holy, which literally means to be “set apart.” When we are so concerned with what others think, we can commit these inadvertent sins mentioned in the Psalm, without even realizing we are doing it. We can compromise our identity as “son of daughter of God,” by conforming our identity to “friend of this group,” or “follower of this trend.” Instead of tiptoeing through life, let’s instead be more present to others in our conversations with them and always have a Spirit of authenticity in who we are with a desire to understand where others are coming from. This week, stand up for an issue you believe in on social media or in another public way, especially one that may not be a popular opinion in our society. Or maybe find a post from a friend you disagree with and message them privately to have an open conversation about it. Let your resolve be strengthened and tested in conversations you have, and try to talk to people in a private message or one-on-one not to prove you are right or to debate, but to simply hear where they are coming from and understand them as best you can. Far more conversions happen because people feel heard and known rather than feeling corrected and proven wrong. Be bold in your faith this week and know that we are praying for you!

See you in the Eucharist!