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Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God. (1 Corinthians 10:32).

The concept contained in these few words seems easy enough in theory. In practice, however, it’s another story. Essentially, Paul is saying that we are called to love everybody—those whose worldviews are very different from ours as well as those who see things the same way that we do. How do we do that? Earlier in this letter, Paul wrote that he had become “all things to all people” so that he might “by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Becoming all things to all people doesn’t mean that we become a spiritual “chameleon,” changing our convictions based on the people we’re with. Just the opposite is true. We remain who we are in Christ and love them as Christ loves them. We don’t demand that they change. Instead, we treat them with the same compassion and generosity with which Jesus has loved us.

Let’s take Jesus as our model. How would he respond to the neighbor who dabbles in witchcraft, the atheist who challenges your beliefs, or the pregnant, unwed teenager in your neighborhood? In the same way that he responded to the rich young man, the woman caught in adultery, and the Pharisees who opposed him. He would love them unconditionally and invite them to something more. Radical love like this builds understanding and breaks down divisions.

Imagine how different the world would be if each of us really did love our neighbors as ourselves. It can be easy to get caught up in questions of who’s right and who’s wrong and miss opportunities to be the presence of Jesus to the world. We cannot control another person’s reaction, but we can make the choice to love. Simply by learning how to “give no offense” to anyone, we can become beacons leading people safely to Christ Jesus.

“Father, I beg you to bring unity to your people. Gather your scattered children around your throne. Help me to be an instrument of your love and peace in this world.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. The first reading describes Jewish laws concerning lepers. In addition to the suffering caused by the disease of leprosy, why did declaring a leper as unclean and having him “dwell apart” from the community make his suffering even worse? What more can you do as Catholic men to reach out to those who are sick and suffering?
   
    
2. In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11), why does the psalmist talk of being glad, rejoicing, and exalting in the Lord after confessing his sins? Why should we as Catholic men, “Be glad and rejoice”?
   
    
3. In the second reading, St. Paul urges us to be an imitator of him as he is of Christ, so that many “may be saved.” Why is the witness of our lives so important in drawing people to Christ and his Church? What are some areas of your life that may need to change so that others can see Christ in you in a clearer way?
   
    
4. In the Gospel reading, Jesus was “moved with pity” and healed a leper. How does Jesus’ reaching out and touching the leper also demonstrate his great compassion and love for him? What impact do you think this touch by Jesus had on the leper apart from the healing?
   
    
5. What is your reaction to these challenging words in the meditation? “Imagine how different the world would be if each of us really did love our neighbors as ourselves. It can be easy to get caught up in questions of who’s right and who’s wrong and miss opportunities to be the presence of Jesus to the world. We cannot control another person’s reaction, but we can make the choice to love. Simply by learning how to ‘give no offense’ to anyone, we can become beacons leading people safely to Christ Jesus.” Share some ideas on how you could show more love and affection to your children and other members of your family – even with those you may have some major issues.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen