Daniel 9:10
…to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.
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From Didache: Our teachers were very innovative in their efforts to lighten their workloads. For example, the task of correcting numerous homeworks, seatworks and quizzes was greatly simplified by the practice of “exchanging notebooks or papers” with our seatmates.
The right answers were read by the teacher, and we took on the responsibility of checking our seatmate’s work. Later, we were evenasked to check our own seatworks and quizzes and, in the end, tally our own scores and grades.
Looking back now, I realize that those practices did not only lighten the teacher’s work. Those practices also developed in us the appreciation of the value of honesty — to others, and most especially to self. This last one proves to be the most challenging.
There were instances when one would be tempted to quickly right a wrong answer, most especially when that one answer spelled the difference between passing or failing the exam.
Jesus’ teachings today underscore this: hard and challenging as it may seem, values and virtues do begin with oneself. We can read, listen to, and learn about moral and spiritual disciplines from books, and from other people’s testimonies.
However, to truly live moral and spiritual uprightness, the measures should flow from a personal and interior conviction. No outside measures and pressures can effect goodness that lasts.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Direct Your Spirit of honesty upon me, that by soul may always remain stainless. Guide my daily thoughts, words and actions, to join those living by the Spirit of truth. For honesty yields harmony and loyalty, enriching all human relationships. Amen +
Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
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