Saturday after Ash Wednesday
It is easy to fall into judging other people. It happens all around us, almost as if the air itself is diffused with judgment. Certainly, there is no shortage of suffering and harmful acts around us, but we often make assumptions about people’s motivations and designate them as evil. When Jesus encounters the tax collector, he does not assume that his actions arise from an evil heart. Rather, he calls to him, spends time getting to know him, and accepts him as his disciple. The Scribes and Pharisees have judged the tax collector because people have been hurt by him. They also judge those who associate with him. These judgments prevent them from developing a relationship with Jesus, hearing his words, or seeing the goodness of his actions. We currently live in a very divided society, one in which we are all too happy to place people into categories and reject those who think differently than we do. We can continue erecting barriers between us, but this will deprive us of the chance to know the Lord and the people he has put into our lives.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections