https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091126.cfm
Humility And Mercy
“When fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” Our training in the gospel transforms us, enabling us to embody the values rooted in Jesus’ heart. St. Claude de la Colombière showed us one of the most powerful paths to this transformation: “A humble person sees only their own faults.”
It is a sign of little virtue to notice others’ imperfections. We need Jesus to help us see only our own faults and to make excuses for others’ shortcomings.
As we go through our day, it’s often easier to blame others for their faults in our minds and hearts. Our judgment distances us from them. We can feel so good about ourselves that we think we’re not like that person.
We frequently see in others what reflects our own true nature. This is why we tend to notice and criticize it swiftly in others; it’s a reflection of ourselves. Jesus described this with the analogy of ‘the splinter and the beam’: a minor fault can seem insignificant at first but may grow larger in our perception, becoming a ‘beam’ or a major fault, until we pray for humility, allowing us to see others as Jesus does and to turn from our own sins.
If anyone had the right to accuse others of their faults, our Lord Jesus did so on the cross. Although he was innocent, he willingly laid down his life for us while we were still sinners. His only cry from the cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
In His mercy, He always says when we sin: ‘Father, if they knew how much I love them, they would never sin.’ This means that God’s mercy, His loving forgiveness and compassion, is always available to us, even before His justice, which is His righteous judgment of our actions.
Gospel Challenge:
Blessed Rosmini taught us that justice means giving each person what is their due. Let us take up this challenge and act justly toward God, embracing His mercy for ourselves so we can be merciful to those who offend us. We can do this. All things are possible with God.
Love Your Neighbor!
Father Rick Pilger, I.C.
