REFLECTION/HOMILY OF THURSDAY 7TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: THE POWER OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE
BY: Bishop Gerald M. Musa
Our words and actions can influence others positively or negatively. This explains why Jesus asks us to go to any length to avoid whatever would make others stumble. He says, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42). Jesus sounds harsh, but he is brutally frank because he knows the dangers, consequences, and ripple effects of sinful behavior.
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A negative influence from one person can affect descendants, fans, followers, and peer groups. A person who is addicted to hard drugs could influence another person negatively, and the addiction could be transmitted from generation to generation unless it is checked. Likewise, a person who is faithful to their moral and spiritual values can positively influence others and subsequent generations.
The life of Jesus influences us positively because He lived what He preached. He avoided giving any bad example. He paid tax in order not to scandalize His followers (Matthew 17:27). St. Paul says we must not be stumbling blocks in the spiritual growth of others (Romans 14:13); besides, when we wound the weak conscience of people around us, we sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12). We should look inward and ask: Are we influencing people positively or negatively?
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