20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Every day, from waking up to laying our heads down to sleeping, we constantly make decisions. Some of these decisions are simple, like choosing what to wear or what to have for breakfast. Others are more significant, like deciding on a new job, moving to a different home, or changing our children's education.

While some choices are trivial, others profoundly impact our lives and those around us. In today's second reading, St. Paul reminds us to "observe how you live." This simple yet powerful advice speaks to the importance of the decisions we make each day. Each choice reflects who we are and who we are striving to become.

God sees our decisions, both big and small. He knows our hearts, our intentions, and our struggles. Others, too, can witness the fruits of our choices—whether we act with kindness, patience, and love or fall into selfishness, impatience, or anger. And, of course, we ourselves are the ones who must live with the consequences of our choices.

But the beauty of our faith is that God does not demand perfection from us. He knows we will make mistakes; after all, we are human. He desires that we strive always to do the good and right thing and seek to align our choices with His will. And when we falter, as we inevitably will, God, in His infinite mercy, offers us a way back.

We are invited to seek forgiveness when we realize we've made a poor decision—whether it's a harsh word spoken in anger, a neglected responsibility, or a moment of selfishness. We can say, "I'm sorry," not only to those we've hurt but also to God, who is always ready to forgive us and set us back on the right path.

This process of recognizing our mistakes, asking for forgiveness, and making amends is central to our journey of faith. It is how we grow closer to God and become more like Christ. Each decision, each moment of repentance, each act of love brings us closer to the life God has planned for us—a life filled with grace, joy, and peace.

So, let us take St. Paul's words to heart. Let us be mindful of how we live, striving each day to make choices that reflect the love of God. And when we stumble, let us have the humility to seek forgiveness and the courage to start anew.

May the Holy Spirit guide us in our decisions and help us to always choose the path that leads to life.