Begging for Correction

2.27.22 Gospel Reflection – Luke 6: 39-45

 

Who can argue that the world has not been turned upside down and inside out recently?  Perhaps this reading is offering the world a way to restoration?  We follow Jesus’ challenging teaching on forgiveness from last week’s Gospel.  The theme (from last week to this week) focuses on the harsh judgement we levy on others, while denying the same judgements for ourselves.  These tough decrees that target others usually stem from faults we possess that are anything but comforting.  How often have I unfairly made a presumption of someone only to be proven wrong?  Probably more often than I care to admit.  In the world of psychology this behavior or mindset is call projection.  It is a defense mechanism used to avoid responsibility. 

 

Buddha, the ancient Indian ascetic, spoke about many things.  One that seems to relate to today’s theme is as follows:  “To live without sin is an illusion.” Human beings are not born to hurl insults, degrade others or to humiliate.  These are learned behaviors taught to us from our first classrooms, the household and community.  But not is all lost, my friends.  For what can be learned, can also be unlearned.  One must first recognize the destructive nature of harsh criticism and then be open to the Holy Spirit for transformation.  Remember Jesus challenging the Pharisees by saying, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone at Magdalene.” (John 8:7)  Today, let us consider beginning a “chain reaction” of love and compassion that has no boundaries.  (As did the Master)

 

I defer any further analysis of this reading and will attempt to follow in the footsteps of the psalmist for the remainder of this reflection.

 

·         “Father, nothing else matters, aside from Your infinite love for us and the

transformative judgement that will reign down upon the world soon.”

·         “Let all nations unite and prostrate themselves before Your divine throne in

honor of authentic kindness, integrity, respect and acceptance.”

·         “You, Holy Father are the gateway to mercy and reconciliation who transforms

the cold, cynical heart into one that is a model of Christ.”

·         “How magnificent is Your Glory because You are constantly creating and shedding

newness into the world.”

·         “You are the Divine parent who incessantly seeks our return home, despite

our arrogance and the honor we place upon worldly idols.

·         “You are the amazing God standing within the threshold of two worlds,  

responding to those of contrite hearts and who are begging for correction.”

 

Keep praying!                                                                                                       The Pilgrim

 

Stop judging and you will not be judged

Two men approached the Pearly Gates. One was a rough cut, profane man. Foul mouthed; usually unkind and known to frequent places that only miserable people go. His name was "Woe", and in his life those that knew him generally avoided him because any exchange was sure to be unpleasant; in truth - he usually avoided other people as well, and for the same reason. The other man was a clean cut well respected "pillar of the community" who was a prominent Church goer and member of the local Town council. "Comfort" was his name;  he was a friendly and approachable person - one whom people liked to be with. 

When Woe approached St. Peter, the kind saint dropped what he was doing and approached him with open arms. Before they reached each other, Our Lord rushed out, quickly embracing Woe as St Peter stepped aside, and the two embraced for a long while. The ablution that was Woe's tears cleansed his garments and together they walked inside, the Lord's arm was firmly around Woe's shoulders. Woe was heard protesting: "But I did this," .... and "I didn't do that..." Jesus seemed to ignore Woe's protests. He only said that he was "His beloved" and that He has a special place prepared for him. You see; Woe had lead a troubled life. From his youth, many people had wronged him in so many different ways. Yet despite the unfairness of it all, Woe nursed his wounds and carried on. Through time and misfortune he grew used to the abuse and disrespect that was his lot. He came to expect it. You see, there was a part of him that thought maybe he was not worthy of anything else. And yes, he was gruff and  unpleasant - after all, it is difficult to reconcile the hurt and desolation with the desire to love and be loved. 

When Comfort approached, St Peter was very busy. The productive saint didn't seem to notice Comfort as he waited patiently. At one point Comfort thought that clearing his throat might make St. Peter aware of his presence, but the disinterested Saint only raised a finger as he continued to attend to the business at hand. Now Comfort was used to overt displays of courtesy - people usually acknowledged him respectfully and received him warmly wherever he went. But this was reaching the point that it was downright rude. Comfort started to say something when Saint Peter - still looking at his paperwork - interrupted him; "There is a very long list here of people that have grievances against you, and Justice demands that each and everyone of these are addressed." Comfort protested: "Wait a minute! I saw that rude fellow Woe was quickly escorted in. Surly hist list is longer than mine....." "Yes it was, Comfort - but in his life, Woe never demanded Justice for himself, for the sake of meaningful relationship he was always willing to let abuse and malevolence be forgot. Yet he never received any Justice, nor did he find meaningful relationship. The rudeness that you saw was a bitter reflection of what he received in life. Now then; Comfort; You demanded Justice for every slight that you received, didn't you? It says here, that you are quoted as saying in a civil lawsuit that you 'only wanted to receive what you have coming to you.' Let's begin, shall we?"

Our Lords words in this week's Gospel haunt me: "Stop judging and you will not be judged" I call myself "Theophilus" - but there are those that call me "Comfort."

    ++ Theophilus