The Catholic Church in which we were raised, put more emphasis on avoiding evil than on doing good.

Thursday, 9/10/15

Today’s readings prompt us to continue with a line of thought that came from yesterday’s readings. Namely, that the Catholic Church in which we were raised, put more emphasis on avoiding evil than on doing good. 

We were trained to examine our consciences each night, and to go to confession at least once a month. Above all, we had to stay in the state of grace.

There is nothing wrong with that; however, it was wrong for us to give most of our attention to avoiding evil, rather than to doing good.

Today’s readings are a reversal of that. While the Gospel tells us how to be good in our behavior with others, Paul implores us to be happy and holy within ourselves.

“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness humility.”

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . . Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.