REPAIR SHOP

“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses.” –Numbers 12:1

Moses prayed for Miriam after she accused him, and she was healed (Nm 12:13ff). Jesus prayed for and suffered for His accusers. Those who repented and received Him were given eternal life. He “bore wrongs patiently” and achieved the greatest work of mercy ever, dying for His enemies (see Rm 5:8-10).

Some years ago, when the news broke of sexual scandals of some Catholic priests, a certain man was publicly berating all priests, even on occasion during Holy Mass. This angered me to the point that I had to bring it to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A holy priest I knew was hearing Confessions that day. With peaceful calmness, he quietly mentioned that it is a spiritual work of mercy to bear wrongs patiently, which in turn could be offered up as a reparation to God and for all impacted by scandal.

I considered this holy priest to be, like Moses, “by far the meekest man on the face of the earth” (Nm 12:3). When wrongly rebuked, he responded by praying for the healing of his tormentor.

Many religious sisters, brothers, and priests have dedicated their lives to making acts of reparation. Yet in America vocations, and thus repairers, are declining. Perhaps this has resulted in the increase of sin, partly due to some brokenness not being repaired. There’s a large backlog in God’s repair shop, and He’s always hiring. Who will work for Jesus by doing His repair work with patience, grace, and mercy? Be a “repairer of the breach” (Is 58:12). “Repair the house of your God over the years” (2 Chr 24:5).

PRAYER: Jesus, I will not let Your kingdom fall further into disrepair. Grace me to fix what is broken (Is 61:1-3; Lk 4:18-19).
PROMISE: Jesus said: “It is I. Do not be afraid!” –Mt 14:27
PRAISE: Charles prays daily for all priests, for their accusers, and for the whole Church.