23rd Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 11th September 2020 — Gospel: Lk 6,39-42
Move from external to internal
Jesus knew our common tendency to justify ourselves and blame others, judge our enemies and excuse ourselves. Therefore he gives a strong corrective by saying that until we are convinced of the depth of our own failures and sins, not only we are unable to help, we are certain to harm others. We need then to be aware that we are a potential spiritual danger to others as we would naturally judge them for their sins while ignoring our own. To overcome this, basically we need to do the difficult but necessary task of dealing with our own hearts. i.e., moving our focus from external to internal. If our thoughts and words are judgmental, bitter, and evil, it indicates that our hearts are evil. But if we are merciful, forgiving, and generous, it indicates that God’s grace is at work in our hearts. To love others like Jesus our master, we should focus on showing mercy towards others rather than judging their externals.
