Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
I think a large part of our human condition includes our inability to see our own faults and a quick readiness to judge and condemn others. Jesus calls us to not judge others, and I believe that the best way for us to achieve this approach of compassion is to realize first of all that we are also in need of healing and mercy. When we accept our sinfulness, then we acknowledge we are connected to all people. Being connected by our brokenness allows us to see that we are all in need of God’s mercy. When we understand our need for mercy and not being judged, this softens our hearts so we look at others with less judgment and greater love.
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells His disciples to “stop judging.” He understands that it is a common occurrence for a person to try to correct others when the person doing the judging has even greater issues to address. If we do not see our own sinfulness, then we do not need mercy. If we have not experienced mercy, it is difficult (if not impossible) for us to share it with others. Experiencing God’s compassion is a result of our awareness that we have not lived up to the call of discipleship.
Our sins may not be blatant- murder, stealing or hatred-but they still affect our relationship with God and others. Our brokenness may result from our neglect of caring for our neighbors in need. We may sin because our words of division and gossip break down others not build up. We may also sin when we support systems/ policies that do not protect the poor, the helpless, the sick and those unable to speak for their own protection. These sins of omission and disregard often are hidden deep within our mindsets, and therefore do not become easily accessible unless we actively reflect on ways that we are broken.
It is a difficult task to seek and recognize the ways where we fail to live up to the call of our discipleship. I believe that Jesus calls us to this see our brokenness for our own salvation. If we cannot see our brokenness, then we will not recognize our need for God’s love and mercy. How many people do not believe in God because they cannot see the need for His grace in their lives? This pervasive belief that there is no need for healing can result in a sense of superiority and righteousness that can lead to quick judgment and condemnation. When I look around the world/nation and see the many unjust and cruel ways that people are treating one another, I know that there is such great need for God’s grace!
As I was reflecting on this gospel, I came across a reflection by Bryan Stevenson and his book called “Just Mercy.” He is a lawyer and a social justice activist. His experiences in the real world working towards peace and justice give him great insights:
I guess I’d always known but never fully considered that being broken is what makes us human. We all have our reasons. Sometimes we’re fractured by the choices we make; sometimes we’re shattered by things we would never have chosen. But our brokenness is also the source of our common humanity, the basis for our shared search for comfort, meaning, and healing. Our shared vulnerability and imperfection nurtures and sustains our capacity for compassion.
We have a choice. We can embrace our humanness, which means embracing our broken natures and the compassion that remains our best hope for healing. Or we can deny our brokenness, forswear compassion, and, as a result, deny our own humanity. . . .
As we reflect on today’s gospel reading, let us pray for God’s wisdom and courage to reflect on our lives and recognize the ways that we are broken and in need of God’s grace and mercy. As we pray for God’s compassionate gaze to fall upon us, may our hearts be united with His and may we gain the ability to see others with this same look of compassion. With God’s grace may our lives become conduits of His mercy to a world that is so much in need of His healing and love.
Loving Father, Jesus gives us the perfect example of compassionate love for others. Through the grace of Your Spirit, open our hearts and minds to see our need for your presence. Through our healing, allow us to bring wholeness and love to all that we think, say and do. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline