“In the First Reading, the prophet Micah speaks very strong words. He says: “Woe to those who plan iniquity and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they carry it out because it is in their power” (Micah 2:1).
Notice something interesting. Their sin did not begin when they stole someone else’s land. It began the night before. While lying in bed, they were already planning how to cheat, how to take advantage, how to become richer at the expense of others.
Evil often begins long before the action. It begins in the heart. It begins in the mind. Jesus Himself would later teach the same thing: “From within, from the human heart, come evil thoughts…” (Mark 7:21).
Perhaps this reading invites us to examine not only what we do but also what we think about. What occupies our minds when nobody is watching? Do we spend our time planning how to help others or only how to benefit ourselves? Do we wake up asking, “How can I earn more?” or “How can I love more?”
There is nothing wrong with working hard, becoming successful, or providing well for our family. These are good things. But when success comes at the expense of another person’s dignity, when our gain becomes someone else’s loss because of dishonesty or greed, then something has gone wrong.
Sadly, we still see this today.
Some abuse their authority because they have power. Some deceive customers because they can. Some spread lies because it brings them attention. Some exploit workers because they know the workers have little choice.
Micah reminds us that having the power to do something does not make it right to do it. Power should always be used to serve, never to oppress.
My dear friends, every night before we sleep, perhaps we should ask ourselves a simple question: “What am I planning for tomorrow?” Am I planning kindness? Am I planning forgiveness? Am I planning honesty? Or am I quietly nurturing resentment, revenge, or selfish ambition?
Our tomorrow is often shaped by what we allow to grow in our hearts today.
Taking shortcuts
An old carpenter was asked to build one last house before retiring. Since it was his final project, he decided to take shortcuts. He used cheaper materials and did careless work. “After all,” he thought, “this is my last job.”
When the house was finished, the owner smiled, handed him the keys, and said, “This house is my gift to you. Thank you for all your years of service.”
The carpenter was devastated. He realized he had been building his own house all along.
Final Words
Brothers and sisters, every decision we make, every thought we entertain, every choice we make today is building the house in which we ourselves will one day live.
So let us build well. Let us fill our hearts with goodness before our hands begin to act. And may the Lord give us not only hardworking hands, but also honest hearts—because a good life is always built from the inside out.”