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? 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!
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: Monday greetings
and blessings to everyone! I hope your day has started off well though if you
are in the Midwest, i.e. Indianapolis, IN like me it looks like a beautiful and
sunny awaits me. In a few moments I will head out for a morning run which
hopefully will energize my day. Around noon I will leave Indianapolis and head
north to South Bend, IN and the campus of Notre Dame University where I will
spend the next couple days attending a conference on preaching. Notre Dame is a
beautiful campus and I am looking forward to my time there!
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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