The world’s greatest investor, Warren Buffett, famously said, “You can’t make a good deal with a bad person. Just forget it. If you think you can draw up a contract that will work against the bad person, they’re gonna win. For one thing, they probably enjoy litigation. Do you want to spend your life doing that?”

These are important words for us to remember when we deal with people in all aspects of life—investments, relationships, choice of leaders, etc. Just as pearls have no value to pigs, integrity, fairness, and respect have no value to dishonest and corrupt persons.

No matter how attractive the promises are—be it high investment return, never-ending love, or a prosperous country, don’t give your precious time, vote, hope, or commitment to people with no integrity. Period. 

Rose Fres Fausto (Rose@FQMom.com) 

reflect

Do you sometimes ask God for arbitrary signs when deciding on matters of the heart, investment, or love for country? “Lord, please show me white roses if he’s the right one for me?” Instead of asking God to be a magician, look out for the real signs—such as the person’s actual behavior.

Lord, when people show me who they really are, help me believe them. 

St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.

The result of battles and wars in the Old Testament are ascribed to the “work of the hand of the Lord” or the lack of God’s involvement. The first leads to victory, while the latter results in defeat. God’s involvement in these battles is a mystery: He appears to reward faithfulness and allow defeat as punishment. Intercession and sacrifice lead to victory, and the people’s disobedience leads to defeat. Today, as we conform our wills to that of the Lord’s, we experience more of His blessings. But the more we distance ourselves from His will, the more we experience suffering and despair.

⁹ Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiah with this message: ¹⁰ “Thus shall you say to Hezekiah, king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria. ¹¹ You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved? ’”  ¹⁴ Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; then he went up to the temple of the Lord, and spreading it out before him, ¹⁵ he prayed in the Lord’s presence: “O Lord, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. ¹⁶ Incline your ear, O Lord, and listen! Open your eyes, O Lord, and see! Hear the words of Sennacherib which he sent to taunt the living God. ¹⁷ Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, ₁₈ and cast their gods into the fire; they destroyed them because they were not gods, but the work of human hands, wood and stone. ¹⁹ Therefore, O Lord our God, save us from the power of this man, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God.” ²⁰ Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent this message to Hezekiah: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib, king of Assyria: I have listened! ²¹ This is the word the Lord has spoken concerning him: ‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn, the virgin daughter Zion! Behind you she wags her head, daughter Jerusalem. ³¹ ‘For out of Jerusalem shall come a remnant, and from Mount Zion, survivors. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.’ ³² “Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not reach this city, nor shoot an arrow at it, nor come before it with a shield, nor cast up siege-works against it. ³³ He shall return by the same way he came, without entering the city, says the Lord. 34 I will shield and save this city for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David.’” ³⁵ That night the angel of the Lord went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. ³⁶ So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp, and went back home to Nineveh.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 48:2-3, 3-4, 10-11

R: God upholds his city forever. 

² Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, ³ fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth. (R) Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,” is the city of the great King. ⁴ God is with her castles; renowned is he as a stronghold. (R) ¹⁰ O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple. ¹¹ As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full. (R)

Gospel | Matthew 7:6, 12-14

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—a principle that serves as a strong foundation for any relationship. Expecting more from others than we are willing to give is hypocritical. Relationships are a two-way street, requiring balance and mutual understanding. There will be times when we give more and receive less, and vice versa. Consider parents who once cared for their children. Eventually, the caregiver becomes the one cared for.

Gospel Acclamation

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

⁶ Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. ¹² Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. ¹³ Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. ¹⁴ How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

Read the Bible in one year! Read 1 CHRONICLES 7 - 9 today.

In a world overflowing with material wealth and luxury, maintaining integrity and upholding moral values can be incredibly challenging.

Picture a young professional fueled by lofty dreams and aspirations, navigating a highly competitive industry. He must choose between adhering to his Christian values and taking the easy route to success. Despite his desire to work hard and remain honest, he is confronted with temptations of money and shortcuts that promise a quicker path to his goals.

The Gospel presents a powerful metaphor through Jesus’ teachings, contrasting the narrow gate with the wide road. The narrow gate symbolizes the challenging but rewarding path of living a life aligned with Christian values and teachings. In contrast, the wide road appears to offer an easier and more gratifying life. This metaphor provides profound guidance on discernment, kindness, and the pursuit of righteousness.

The wide road may always seem enticing, filled with promises of immediate gratification and success. However, the narrow gate may require more effort and perseverance. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a strong commitment to our faith and values, as this commitment will give us the courage and self-control to choose moral integrity, compassion, and service to others over worldly pleasures. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus and embrace the narrow gate, for though it may not be the easiest path, it leads us to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Our life’s journey involves making choices that reflect our values, even when faced with challenges and temptations. By staying true to our faith and principles, we will find lasting satisfaction and spiritual growth, ultimately leading us to a life of meaning and righteousness. 

Fr. Jason Laguerta

reflection question

What challenges do you face when trying to follow the narrow path of righteousness?

Lord, guide me through the narrow gate and grant me the strength to uphold my values and integrity, even when faced with temptations and challenges. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________________