The Right Path

Readings for Wednesday October 6, 2010

First Reading: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117
Gospel: 11:1-4


And when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong. For, until some people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to draw back and separated himself, because he was afraid of the circumcised. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not on the right road in line with the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in front of all, “If you, though a Jew, are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Gal. 2:11-14)

Have you ever gone hiking and walking along a path only to find yourself in unfamiliar territory? Or have you ever gone to the grocery store with the intent of only getting a loaf of bread, but find yourself getting sidetracked down the ice cream isle? It is funny how when we are on a journey or a mission, how easy it is to get distracted and veer off the path we were on.

Today Paul tells us of an example of someone who got a little sidetracked on his journey, and it was none other than Peter. Even Peter still got a little sidetracked on his journey, and found himself going down the wrong path. That is why Paul "opposed him to his face." This is what being a part of the body of Christ entails, building each other up and helping each other back on the path when we veer. When people challenge us or if we get caught doing something that we are not supposed to, it can be very easy to become angry. But instead of being angry, we should be thankful because He loves us enough to put someone around to help us off that path we are heading down. I know that there were many events and people in my life who have helped straighten me out, and while at the time I was very bitter towards those people; I now realize that God put those people in my life to get me off of the path I was heading down.

It is often very difficult to navigate the waters of our life. A lot of times we lose sense of direction and can look to other guides. Many times these false guides lead us to places that are not the best for us, and ultimately down the wrong path. We must, as Paul says; be "in line with the truth of the Gospel." Let always look to Christ as our only guide in our lives, let us ask for His wisdom and guidance for us, so that we may go down the right path.

Our Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test. Amen.