Father Simone’s Word of the Week

As I shared at Mass last Sunday, The Lord gave me an image amidst a spiritual conversation recently.  I saw a still image of all the faithful of the Church facing one another, pointing their finger at one another, jabbering, pointing out one an other’s sins.  All the while in the middle, straight ahead was Jesus upon the Cross.  No one was looking at Him.  I wish there was someone who could paint this image the way is imprinted my mind.  It would make a good t-shirt.  No one, myself included, is beyond “that finger” that can point out something wrong, that can rightly be judged about us.  Also no one is beyond that temptation to point “that finger” at someone else, even if only kept to ourselves, but seen clearly by God.  Rather all would be right to point their finger at Him: Jesus who alone is perfect and who being the only per fect One is merciful.  If only we would all point to Him, we would find that humility Jesus calls us to and the way to the unity He so desires for us.  We know Jesus does not point His finger at our sins, though He knows them more than we do.  “For the Son of Man did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”  The only one among us, not being Lord, without sin and can judge innocently is Mary.  She does not point to Jesus in a way that says “Look at your sins.”  She extends her gentle hand towards Him to say “Look to my Son.  See His love for you and love Him.”  With such mercy, she accepted us as her children.  So often when we are distressed or downcast, Mary extends her arm towards us, to bring us close and bring us before Jesus’ face who thirsts to just love us and have our love. 
 
Humility towards one another, who are not perfect, would be nearly impossible for us, were it not for His mercy who alone is Lord.  Clinging to that humility towards Jesus, to wards one another takes our judgment out of the equation.  Then perhaps we can step back and see the good about them, the good they are doing and their good intentions, even if they like us fall short.  Patience with one another strives to accept each as they are, bear with their imperfections and want better for them, acknowledging we can’t fix anyone.  Sorrow is a better thing to carry, united with Jesus’ Sacred Heart over all the brokenness among us.  If or when the Lord moves us to challenge one another, it’s not about us.  It’s about truth and His love for them.  “Ged rid of all bitterness, anger, harsh words and malice of any kind.  In place of these, be kind to one another, tender and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.” (Eph 4:31-32)  Let us point to Jesus together.