Scripture:
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
John 21:20-25
Reflection:
How many times have we verbalized our interpretation of someone without really knowing all the facts, without knowing their back story or true self? Comments like, “ooh, I bet she was a terrible mother,” or “He probably did drugs in his youth.” Why are we judging, or causing others possibly to think of someone in a bad light? Are we too consumed with the opinions of others, completely forgetting that there is only one judge, only one who we need to stay focused on; the only one who knows everything about everybody. Do these suppositions pull me away from Christ in my need to feel superior as we think we so thoroughly understand everything about everyone?
It’s exhausting… Can’t you just hear Jesus asking you, “What is it to you of that person’s past, of that person’s choices?” All the Lord wants is for you to follow him, and to love those around you openly. Just stay focused on him, always. Our preconceived notions are irrelevant, our assumptions of who people are or what they do – well, you know what they say about assuming.
When the Lord says, “Come, follow me”, it is an open invitation of love. He wants you, all in, to give of yourself to him. Stop worrying about the other guy, stop comparing what you have and who you are to others, stop playing the role of the superior being. Quick story – a man’s flight is cancelled, so he approaches the airline rep in a very nasty state, demanding an immediate flight (which no one was receiving) being rude, pushy, and angry. After not getting anywhere with the airline rep, he says, “Don’t you know who I am?” The brilliant airline rep gets on her microphone and says, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a man at the desk who doesn’t know who he is – if anyone can identify him, please come forward.” God bless you all!
Patty Masson supports the Passionists from Spring, Texas.