September 12, 2024, Luke 6:49-42
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091324.cfm
Humility And Mercy
“When fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” God gives us the grace to train in the values found in the heart of Jesus. St. Claude de la Colombeire showed us one of the quickest ways to grow in the heart of Jesus., “A humble person sees only their own faults.
It is a sign of little virtue to notice the imperfections of others.” How much we need Jesus to see only our own faults and to make excuses for the shortcomings that other people commit.
As we live our day, sometimes it’s easier to accuse others of their faults in our minds and hearts, and it’s so easy to distance ourselves from them. We can be so happy with ourselves that we are not like that person.
We project onto others what is most true about ourselves. That’s why we see it so quickly and condemn it so readily in other people; it is a part of us. The sad thing is that we are blind to this truth. The splinter will continue to grow in our eyes and become a plank until we pray for the humility to see as Jesus sees and repent from our sins.
If anyone had the right to accuse others of their faults, our Lord Jesus did on the cross. Though he was innocent, he freely laid down his life for us while we were still sinners. His only cry from the cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
In his mercy, he says this every time we sin. “Father, if they knew how much I love them, they would never sin. “He told St. Faustina once that his mercy always comes before his justice.
Gospel Challenge:
Blessed Rosmini taught us that justice is giving someone what is their due. Let us act justly to God and embrace His mercy for ourselves so we can be merciful to those who offend us.
Love Your Neighbor!
Father Rick Pilger, I.C.
