#not_my_people?
“I prayed to the Lord, my God, and confessed, ‘...We have sinned…we have rebelled...’ ” —Daniel 9:4-5
Currently, in the USA, people are quick to disavow themselves from those with whom they disagree. People use social media hashtags such as #NotMyPresident so that others will know that they claim no fault in the problems of the times.
In today’s first reading, Daniel, a just man, performed heartfelt reparation for communal sin in which he had no part. Daniel acted as a “Repairer of the breach” (Is 58:12). Some members of our world, our nation, and our Church have indeed sinned. Even though we might not have personally sinned, we are still called to imitate the holy Daniel and confess that “we” have sinned (as opposed to “they” have sinned). Moses exemplified this communal approach when God twice gave him the chance to separate himself from the rebellious Israelites. While in Egypt, Moses preferred to suffer as a Hebrew instead of enjoying his status as adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Heb 11:24-25). Later, Moses declined God’s offer of release from the rebellious Israelites (Ex 32:10ff). Likewise, Jesus so identified Himself with us sinful people that He became Emmanuel, God-with-us always (Mt 1:23; 28:20).
In imitation of Jesus, Moses, and Daniel, be a “we” instead of an “I”. Even when we are sinful, God calls us “My people.” He does not disown us, even when we turn our backs on Him (2 Tm 2:13). May we recognize the communal effect of our sins, consider ourselves as one with the sinful people with whom God has planted us (Mt 13:30), and make reparation for ourselves and others.
Prayer: Father, give us Your loving, merciful heart, so we may be compassionate and merciful as You are (Lk 6:36).
Promise: “The measure you measure with will be measured back to you.” —Lk 6:38
Praise: St. Patrick freely returned to the land of his kidnappers and masters in order to bring Jesus to them.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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