EYES FOR GOODNESS
The
tenet, “One for all, all for one,” can be a very good motivation for
solidarity in the attainment of a group vision. This principle may,
however, turn out to be a cruel basis for rendering judgments. It can
lead us to make swift generalizations and dangerous summary decisions.
With
gratitude, we note that God — though governing all creation and all
humans — does no summary judgment. Even among the scribes and Pharisees,
who were thought to be filled up with a lot of imperfections, Jesus
still figured out some positive values, such as their words that called
attention to the letters of the Law. The scribes and the Pharisees may
not have been able to really live out the demands and the spirit of the
Law, but they never compromised on their underlining of the provisions
of the Law in teaching it to their contemporaries and to the succeeding
generation. Jesus invites us then to be like Him: to regard all with
compassion and with benevolence. While we easily train our eyes and
our minds to detect specks and flaws in others, compassion means to
always extend to that “saving attitude” which Jesus exemplified.
A manicured lawn and a well-kept garden
may look beautiful in their man-made harmony and symmetry, but the wild
flowers surrounding them also present a refreshing scenery. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: Take a second look at persons whom you may have judged
negatively. What virtues shine out from them in spite of the generally
unfavorable impressions you have about them? How can you improve the way
you evaluate others?
Lord Jesus, cleanse the eyes of my heart that I may always see first the good in everybody.
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