Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

Today's Mass Readings

When did we start caring so much about what other people think about us and what other people are doing? Our preoccupation with what is or might be going on in other people’s minds certainly occurred before social media, but social media most likely exacerbated the problem. Peter and the Apostles respond to the high priest in a way that gives me pause. “We must obey God rather than men.” At the end of our lives, we will stand before God—in all our sins, failings, decisions or lack of decisions. God is the one who bestows life and eternal life, and we have to give an account for what we did or failed to do.

How often do we live from the place where we are our true self before God? Most often, we wonder what others will think, and this thought controls or influences our action. But, just think: What if we were to live the life true to the person God made us to be? What if we lived neither out of fear nor vanity?

Peter and the Apostles communicate their true goal: To witness to the amazing story of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and how God raised this Jesus from the dead. They know who they are and what they are about—and to me, that sounds rather inviting.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB