Daily Thoughts: We could
approach today Gospel (Matthew 7: 1-5) from a negative perspective after all
that is what Jesus seems to do. We could look at it as the don’ts of life. We
are not to judge so that we will not be judged. But I would like to look at Jesus’
words in a more positive light. Perhaps the intent of Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel isn’t just to
say, don’t judge so that you will not be judged but that Jesus is asking us to stop
and take a look at just how we look at others. Do we look at others through
what they or maybe we do wrong or do wouldn’t it be better to first try to find
God’s goodness, God’s presence in others which just might lead us to finding
God’s goodness and presence in ourselves.
Judging is easy. We are all imperfect so
we will always find flaws. We will always find moments of weakness. We will
always find actions that don’t measure up, not only in others but also in
ourselves. I think sometimes we judge or are hard on others because we know our
own mistakes, our own shortcomings and if we can take the focus off our faults
and failing and look for them in others we think we can feel better.
However the opposite is true, if we look
for goodness, if we look for God’s presence in others it often opens the door to
finding God within ourselves. I think this is what Jesus is getting at today.
Yes, perhaps he puts it in the negative but if we walk by faith, if we trust in
God’s love then Jesus’ words can be turned to a positive way of living life.
After all if we take the wooden beam from our own eye then we will have better
vision not just to see the splinter in others, but to find the goodness in
ourselves and others. If we can find God is ourselves, we will be able to find
God in others and vice versa!
Have a great day everyone and don’t
forget to make a joyful noise with your life today!
Daily Prayer: O God, search
us and know our hearts; test us and know our concerns. See if there is any
crooked way in us, and lead us in the everlasting way. For we truly do believe
so our prayer to you is help our unbelief. Amen!
A Runner’s Thoughts: Remember if we
have the desire to run with God, then the specifics of the techniques used do
not matter very much just keep hold of the desire and God will be with you!
Daily Blessing: Happy Monday
everyone! I hope your day has started off well though if you are in the Midwest,
i.e. Manitowoc, WI like me it is cloudy and pouring rain this morning. Not only
do the clouds and rain make it a gloomy day but I wanted to run early this
morning because it will be a busy day of retreat but the rain has stopped me so
getting up early and not being able to run make me a bit gloomy! I will need to
shake it off before the retreat day begins, I don’t want to inflict the sisters
on retreat with my gloominess.
Yes, I began a retreat with 28
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity last night. It is very interesting
experience being here at their motherhouse where close to 160 sisters live. Even
though it is raining this morning I am looking forward to a wonderful week of
retreat. Please keep the sisters and their preacher in your prayers!
Have a great day everyone. May it truly
be a good start to your week, but if not please know that I am praying that
things will get better for you. May God’s blessings be upon you wherever you
are and wherever your life brings you today. May your day be rich in God’s
grace, hope, love and joy and may you find the strength and energy to share God’s
blessings with whomever you meet! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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