August 22, 2010 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
The sober and stark aspects of these readings also give us an opportunity to reflect on ‘judging’. In life this question of ‘judging’ may be one of our most critical challenges. It is clear that appearances count for nothing. Earthly arrangements, evaluations, situations and accommodations are ephemeral. Who’s first; who’s last? Judging the other, however, seems to be almost one of our natural reflexes. And how often the judgment is negative. It’s so much easier to find ‘mitigating circumstances’ for our own failures. We will definitely have to strengthen our moral drooping arms and shaking knees. Only the long, practiced discipline of refraining from judging will bring us closer to a steady regard of compassion and understanding.
And what too about judging ourselves? Here also a measure of gentleness is needed. So often we fail to do the good things we want to do, and do the evil things we really do not want. But God knows our deeds and thoughts; actions and intentions.
Suddenly we step out of the narrow, stifling parameters of the creature world, and find ourselves called into the light and splendor of God’s unfailing mercy. In spite of our pettiness and misery, God loves us unconditionally. The dazzling gift is to be called with those from East and West, from the distant coasts and islands, from all nations and races, to the mountain of the Lord. There we are, all together- dependent on the mercy of God. NOW is the hour to revel in God’s glory, and patiently, perhaps in a hidden way, to reflect God’s loving mercy.
-Sister Marie Julianne Farrington
Sisters of St. Mary of Namur . 241 Lafayette Avenue . Buffalo, New York 14213 . (716) 884-8221