On Loving

I usually read the day's Gospel before I go to sleep and reflect on the things that God has to say for that day. Monday's Gospel reading from Luke 6:36-38 was short and simple and yet very straightforward. There is a link on the USCCB website on daily video reflections where a priest gives a sort of short homily. What he said struck me because he said that Jesus summed up what it means to be Christian in that very short passage. There were 5 ways that are simple to know yet difficult to achieve.

1. To be merciful
2. To not judge
3. To not condemn
4. To forgive
5. To love and give with all our hearts

I have a blog where I write about issues regarding my health and other things that happen in my life. This passage struck me particularly because just a few days ago, I wrote about an encounter I had with 2 ladies who were trying to promote some protein shake that was supposed to be able to help you lose weight.

I totally slammed them on my blog after the incident because they clearly had no idea what they were talking about. I wasn't the most merciful with my words and was extremely judgmental about their attitude and desperation to push their product. To some extent, you could say that I condemned them for being ignorant and arrogant.

The fact of the matter is that nobody would blame me for the things that I said about them. But this passage was a reminder for me to not seek the approval of others, but pursue the things that pleases God. I do still feel bitter about what happened, but it makes it a little easier to remember that God loves these 2 ladies just as much as He loves me.



- posted on behalf of Rachel Er