good reporting
"When his fellow servants saw what had happened they were badly shaken, and went to their master to report the whole incident." —Matthew 18:31
In yesterday's first reading, Naaman's servants intercede with him so that he obeys the prophet Elisha and is healed (2 Kgs 5:1-15). In today's Gospel, we see another role of servants: that of reporting to their master the sinful actions of their fellow servants.
Sometimes just watching the nightly news on television can leave us "badly shaken." That is why Father Al Lauer, founder of Presentation Ministries, which publishes this booklet, encouraged people to "pray the news." "The fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed" (Jas 5:16).
Newscasts can overwhelm us with evil happenings, but prayer gives us power over evil. Prayer works when all other efforts fail. Some demons "you can drive out only by prayer" (Mk 9:29). Prayer can even bring revival to a culture entrenched in sin and death. "If my people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land" (2 Chr 7:14).
"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need" (Heb 4:16). The next time watching the news leaves you "badly shaken," do what those servants did. Report the whole incident to your Master (Mt 18:31). He is listening.
Prayer: Father, "do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in Your kindness and great mercy" (Dn 3:42).
Promise: "My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart." —Mt 18:35
Praise: Rather than see the Church's teachings against birth control and divorce as limiting, Timothy thanks God for them.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 13, 2012
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