Each and every one of us has an impact on others in one way or another, whether we like it or not, and whether we are aware of it or not. For example, a child would follow or imitate your habits, words and expressions, and after a while, the child would become accustomed or used to such things. The expression “a chip of the old block” may apply to a certain extend here. That is why in matters of faith, parents are responsible to pass on the basics of faith, good conduct and virtues to their children. If the parents themselves are not bothered about their faith, then their children may follow suit, though by the grace of God, some of such children may rediscover God and faith later in life.
That is why St. Paul cautions us in today’s reading: “The life and death of each of us has its influence on others; if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord. This explains why Christ both died and came to life, it was so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. This is also why you should never pass judgement on a brother or treat him with contempt, as some of you have done.” We ought to be careful how we conduct ourselves and how we behave, since some others may get the right or wrong understanding or impression of Christianity, depending on our words and actions. May we be prudent and good examples to others, so that we may truly be light of the world and salt of the earth.