DISCIPLINE SEEMS PAINFUL…

Hebrews 12:4-7,11-15
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.5 And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons?– “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him.6 For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.14 Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.15 See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” spring up and cause trouble, and by it the many become defiled;

Mark 6:1-6 

1 He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him.2 And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands!3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.”5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them.6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

MEDITATION 

THE AUTHOR makes the point that a student of the Lord who choose to rather suffer pain and humiliation to avoid committing a grievous sin, is the superlative form of discipline that express the righteousness of a believer that is most fruitful. Soft wimpy spineless behavioral responses, aggravate questionable behavior patterns and lifestyles to the extent that the sinner is less interested to straighten his or her ways. Conversely, concerned leaders and or loved ones should not harvest bitterness against the weak who refuse to obtain the grace of God.

St MARK DISCRIBE the uncharitable response that our Lord received after He delivered His maiden homily in His hometown synagogue, such that He decided to leave after attending to a few people who reached out to Him for help.

It is a truism that those closest to us be it a spouse, child and or familial acquaintances are less likely to listen to our “preachy” tone, especially if our former lives were not so exemplary and or we may have been absolutely silent unmoved witnesses when wrong and evil played out before our very eyes and ears. In circumstances which preclude us from seperation as a spouse and or a provider, it may be nessesary that we pray to God to discipline us by increasing in us virtues such as; patience, love, slowness to anger, the ability to—bite one’s lip— whilst we commit to prayer and supplication for the conversion of hearts and minds on all sides. In cases where violence and abuse is prevalent, it may be painful but nessesary that we peaceably remove oneself whilst we continue to pray hoping Christ will effect reconciliation whilst we care for our loved ones and help all who desire change.

LET US PRAY:Psalms 103:1-2 13-14,17-18

1 A Psalm of David.Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,13 As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.  

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.