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 into
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 in
ourselves, we will be able to find God in others and vice versa!
Have a
great Monday 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: “I know that when I finish strong, I’m cultivating and
honoring the love and commitments in my life. As a runner, it’s time to apply
that hard-earned wisdom to everything I do.” (Kristin Armstrong)
Daily
Blessing: Monday
greetings and blessings to all. I hope your day is starting off well. The early
morning sky here in Covington, Kentucky has some clouds but the weather people
say they will only be around this morning. It is going to be a hot one here.
Yes, I am
in Covington, Kentucky. I arrived yesterday afternoon a little after 4 pm. In
time to settle in, have a little dinner and begin a new retreat last evening.
There are about 20 Sisters of Notre Dame on retreat this week. They have a beautiful
provincial house here in Covington and I am looking forward to another week of
retreat. Please keep the sisters on retreat in your prayers this week and if
you could add a little extra prayer for the preacher it would be greatly
appreciated.
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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