FRIDAY, TWENTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom
1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-27 Ps 84: 3-6, 12 Lk 6: 39-42
TO JUDGE OR TO LOVE
One of the deeper areas that Jesus is calling us to reflect on today, is that of being thoughtful, kind and wise. For when we spend time on consideration, we can see perspective and refrain from an instant judgement. When we are kind, we show compassion. Wisdom surfaces as a result, and love overflows. Another theme emerging from our Lord’s teaching is the importance of understanding ourselves. It is only when we know ourselves, that we can attempt to help others. Many of us are determined to lead our ministries, jobs, roles, vocations and lives in ways that we see best. However, Jesus asks us regularly reflect with Him – our Master, on how right we are in our discourse and actions. St. Paul stresses about authenticity in preaching the Gospel.
Furthermore, Jesus calls our attention to the sanctity of the student-teacher relationship. Everyone, when fully trained becomes like their teacher. As teachers, we must be merciful and fully tuned into God’s word or else, we could confidently lead people off a cliff. Therefore, Jesus advises us to look inward before we act externally. Actively self-examining and adjusting our ways before we measure others. Saint Paul asks us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to comfort as we have been comforted. It is not possible to share something with the other that we haven’t first experienced ourselves. We can’t give what we don’t have. When we are blind to our own sins, judging comes easily and love has no room. If we can’t cleanse a sin in ourselves first, it is unrighteous to condemn it in others. Human nature is biased towards negating our own faults while amplifying those of the world. Before we help our neighbour to not be blind, may we get cured of our own blindness, else – ‘‘Will not both fall into a pit?’ May our relationship with Jesus lead help us see our neighbour with eyes of love and mercy, and nourish us to grow in godliness.
Response: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
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