Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Monday of week 32 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Luke 17:1-6
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Obstacles are sure to come, but alas for the one who provides them! It would be better for him to be thrown into the Sea with a millstone put round his neck than that he should lead astray a single one of these little ones”. As followers of Christ, we are meant to be conduits through which God’s love, mercy, and grace flow into the lives of others. When we act in ways that hinder this—whether through judgment, pride, or unforgiveness—we disrupt not only their connection to God but also our own. To obstruct someone else’s experience of grace is to place ourselves outside the rhythm of God’s will, distancing ourselves from His presence and purpose. Being a channel of grace means embracing humility and compassion. It calls for an openness that allows God’s love to pass through us freely, touching others without distortion or obstruction. When we impose our own biases, withhold forgiveness, or act out of self-interest, we effectively block this flow. Such behavior not only harms those around us but also isolates us from the path God has laid for us. This disconnection is spiritually perilous. Let’s reflect: Am I a channel of grace or an obstacle of grace to others?
Don Giorgio