In today’s first reading,
1 Peter 1: 18-25, Peter says to us: “Realize
that you were ransomed from futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not
with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious Blood of
Christ as of a spotless unblemished Lamb.”
I imagined Jesus saying to you:
“______(Your
name)________, you are being ransomed today from the futility of
complaining about
others or about situations over which you have no control. I am
ransoming you
today from the slavery of sin, any sin, all sin. I paid your ransom today
as I offered my
body and blood to God the Father in today’s liturgy, when I reminded
the Father of the
price I paid for you on Calvary, where I was tortured, crucified, taunted,
pierced,
ridiculed, mocked, spit upon, kicked, humiliated in all sorts of ways.
“I was patient so
you would learn patience.
I was humble so
you would learn humility.
I was forgiving so
you would learn to forgive.
I was silent so
you would learn the wisdom of silence in certain situations.
I surrendered to that over which I had no
control so you would learn the value of surrender at appropriate times.
I spoke up where appropriate so you would
learn the value of speaking your truth.”
