FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT
Jer 20: 10-13 Ps 18: 2-7 Jn 10: 31-42
POINTING YOUR FINGER AT OTHERS
Perhaps the most heart-touching line today from Jesus is, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” Jesus always sought for the good of others to the extent that, being God, He let Himself be ridiculed by men. He was not spared from being taunted and hated despite all the good He did. It is human tendency to weigh out the tiny faults of others while comfortably forgetting the good they have done. In our judgements or assessments of people, it is easy to focus on the negative, whether it be a person’s mistake, shortcoming, or sin. This tendency to point out the black dot on a white canvas could arise from various factors: our own insecurities, the influence of societal norms, or the complexity of our emotions. However, what we do not realise is the impact we are causing in the life of the said person. Our harsh remarks or negative attitude could break his/her spirit. This is what the Jews tried to do to Jesus as well.
Jesus, on the other hand, does not expect this from his followers. He never approached people with a judgement scale, weighing others’ vices against their virtues. Instead, with his Sacred Heart, he extended mercy, love, forgiveness, and, most importantly, a loving gesture of gratitude to even the most broken! The woman caught in adultery (John 8) wasn’t subject to condemnation but to compassion. “Go and sin no more” didn’t break the woman but brought her freedom. Let us bring to mind the classic example, “While you are pointing your finger at others, remember that the remaining fingers are pointing at you.” We have to remember that except for God, nobody is perfect! Being human involves the constant need for God’s grace. Instead of clouding our minds with the failures of others, let the season of Lent purify our thoughts to remind us of our faults first before we jump into judgements. May we learn during this holy season how to be compassionate.
Response: In my anguish I called to the Lord, and he heard me.
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