conscious discipline

Romans 2:1-11;Ps 62 Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works; Luke 11:42-46


A few words from Pope Benedict as he spoke to the southeast region of Italy, Calabria, though he spoke to them he always speaks to all:

"never give in to the temptation to pessimism or to withdraw within yourselves. Draw from the resources of your faith and your human capacities; make an effort to grow in the capacity to collaborate, to look after your neighbor and the whole of the public good, guarding the wedding garment of love; persevere in giving witness to human and Christian values ..."


Words from St. Paul, more like an exhortation, "YOu, O man are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge do the very same things...?

Here St. Paul is not speaking about being critical but rather about passing judgment in the sense of condemning. This is a problem.

What is our standard? We must examine our measuring stick and make sure it measures at the same breadth and height and width of the Cross of Christ.

None of us have the authority to condemn anyone, though we must help them to arrive at a better place. It is easy to write people off. It is easy to want to get rid them, out of sight and out of mind. It is a lot harder and takes a greater love to encourage them continually and seek again to move them to a better place so that they collaborate with God's grace of transformation.

Paul continues, "the just judgment of God will repay everyone according to his works, eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness..."

St. Paul mentions that God will repay. What we shall receive depends in a large portion on us. I remember being at St. Rose last year and all the teachers were working on implementing conscious discipline, where the teachers teach the children accountability and consequences based on their choices, helping them to see the positive choice to every situation.

It seemed to be an affective tool. St. Paul is using conscious discipline in the letter to the Romans. He is inviting us to look at the consequences of our choices while trying to reenforce good behavior. We have a choice, we can either be with GOd for eternity or not.

You decide.