Reflections
I DID NOT COME TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS
        This is such a consoling statement of Jesus. It shows God’s infinite compassion on the weak. Sometimes holiness is identified with perfection — as if we can, by our own strength, attain sanctity. This view of holiness also encourages perfectionism which does not lead to holiness but to self-righteousness. Have you ever lived with perfectionist self-righteous people? My goodness, they correct every one as if they were a universal novice mistress. They are also very judgmental and condemnatory. It is as if they have the monopoly of the truth. When I was Prioress, I used to go on visitation and one day while on such a visit, an elderly Sister came to me and said ”Mother, I think my community does not like me.” “Why do you say that?” I asked.“ Because just now when I went to the refectory, they all went out. “Why, what did you do?” She said “ Well when I came in they were all talking so I told them: Ssssshh!” “Well no wonder, they left the room”. I said. She said self-righteously, “But am I not right? We are not supposed to be talking in the refectory. It is a place of silence.!” I said: “Yes, Sister, you are right. In fact you are almost always right. And that is what is wrong with you!” God of Compassion, help us also to be compassionate to our neighbors.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018