The story is told about a little girl who was asked how the church service was. After some thought, she said: “The music was nice, but the commercial was too long.”
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In today’s gospel (Mk. 6, 1-6a), the townmates of Jesus admired His preaching in their synagogue, but went on to take offense at Him because they knew His humble beginnings, and they questioned His credibility, His family, His qualifications, etc. May we not become judgmental of others!
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Yes, but… all of us tend to have this doubting and questioning attitude, in one way or another. Normal. And even necessary. However, if it becomes the overriding attitude in our whole life, we may end up cynical and critical of everything and of everyone. Let not our questioning and doubts rob us of the beauty of life and the goodness of people.
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It is easier to doubt than to believe. Choose to believe anyway. It is easier to criticize than to encourage. Choose to encourage anyway. It is easier to be proud than to be humble. Choose to be humble anyway. It is easier to be sad than to be happy. Choose to be happy anyway. It’s your call. It’s your choice. It’s your life.
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Instead of being judgmental, why don’t you and I take the risk of being affirmative and appreciative of other people? Make it a habit to affirm at least one person every day, starting with yourself.
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God took a risk on us when he created us, and He continues to do so. He even risked His only begotten Son to save us. In spite of our poor response to His call, He continues to take a risk on us because He loves us. A foolish God? No, a loving God!
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I shared the “Paper Story” (Kwento ng Papel, Kwento ng Buhay) in my FB/YouTube: “Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD.” Life is not and need not be complicated if we know how to be humble and simple like an ordinary piece of paper. May we learn to take the road of humility and simplicity, the road that leads us to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Yes, we have much to learn from simple people and simple things… Like a simple piece of paper.
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Sharing with you a beautiful song entitled “Grace” (by Laura Story). The first line of the song goes: “My heart is so proud, my mind is so unfocused; I see the things you do through me, as great things I have done…” How foolish and how proud of us when we forget God in our so-called achievements! But it is so assuring, too, that God always forgives and understands: “My child, I love you; and as long as you’re seeking my face, you’ll walk in the power of my daily sufficient grace.” How consoling that this “foolish God” who never stops taking a risk on us, continues to understand and love us, no matter what.
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God has the right to be judgmental but He does not judge us. We have no right to be judgmental, but we continue to judge left and right. Don’t take the road of being proud, judgmental, critical, and disrespectful of others.
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“He was amazed at their lack of faith.” May this not be said of us after all the blessings, forgiveness, and provisions we have received from God all these years. Let us ask the Lord to increase our faith so that we can be faithful to Him even when, especially when, we encounter trials, sickness, disappointments, rejections, failures of any sort. It is especially at such times that we should not end up being judgmental even of God Himself.
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A moment with the Lord:Lord, forgive us for being judgmental of others, and even of You. Amen.
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