Romans 3:21-30 / Luke 11:47-54
To be reprimanded is not a pleasant experience.
But when someone is reprimanded, it is because something wrong has been done, and the fault is pointed out so that some corrective action can be done.
In the gospel, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees and the scribes and those who claim to know the Law of God.
More than just a wrong-doing, it was something really terrible as lives are lost as prophets were killed and slaughtered and persecuted.
Blood was shed, and it was the prophets' blood, prophets who were sent by God.
Being reprimanded like this should have an awakening effect, but on the contrary, the Pharisees and scribes began a furious attack on Jesus and tried to force answers from Him on innumerable questions, setting traps to catch Him out in something He might say.
Before we shake our heads in disgust, we also need to know that when we are reprimanded, we too will get defensive and try to get off from it.
But from the 1st reading, let us remember that we have received the free gift of grace by being redeemed in Christ Jesus who was appointed by God to sacrifice His life so as to win reconciliation through faith.
So whenever we are reprimanded, let us hear the voice of God, and let us know that it is Jesus who wants to correct our faults and heal our wounds of sin, so that the mercy and compassion of God can flow into our hearts.