OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY (Memorial) White

“The Rosary takes its inspiration from the Gospel to suggest the attitude with which the faithful should recite it. In the harmonious succession of Hail Mary’s, the Rosary puts before us once more a fundamental mystery of the Gospel – the incarnation of the Word, contemplated at the decisive moment of the Annunciation of Mary. The Rosary is thus a Gospel prayer, as pastors and scholars like to define it, more today perhaps than in the past.” (Pope Paul VI, Marialis Cultus, 44)

First Reading: Gal 3:7-14; Psalm: 111. R. v. 5b; Gospel: Lk 11:15-26

THE EVIL OF SLANDER

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Slander is the child of envy. An unrestrained envy results to slander. Envy is when we feel irritated, embittered or uncomfortable due to someone else’s success. If these ill feelings are not tamed or controlled, it can lead us to the sin of slander. Slander is the evil act of fabricating untrue malignant opinion about a person so as to tarnish the person’s reputation. In clear terms, slander is the assassination of character. It is evil and a product of unbridled envy.

In the gospel of today, we see how the good works of Jesus was paid back with slander. Evidently, the opponents of Jesus have been envious of his good works for a long time; and are uncomfortable that Jesus commanded a large followership. They couldn’t match or halt the reputation of Jesus. And so they resorted to slander by accusing Jesus of casting out demons by the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. But Jesus reminded them that any kingdom divided against itself is ruined.

We mustn’t pull someone down to succeed. Sometimes we deliberately plan to tarnish other people’s image in order to project ours. This reveals how evil we can be at times. Sincere appreciation reveals the good in us. It conquers slander because it helps to build and develop the gifts and talents of one another. When we try to suppress the good deeds of people through slander so as to project ourselves; we will only stand alone. But sincere appreciation builds and unites because through it, we encourage and develop each other and build a healthy atmosphere where growth can thrive. Resist slander with all amount of effort. It is evil. We pray our Lady of the Rosary to intercede for us so as to conquer this sin of slander.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, grant us the humility and disposition to appreciate one another. Amen.