Reflection for December 13
Aimee P. Blair, Reflecting Pool
“Those who follow you, O Lord, will have the light of life” (Responsorial Psalm, based on John 8:12).
In today’s gospel, Jesus compares his generation to the children in the marketplace who find fault no matter what music is played. God’s message is rejected when it does not fit into that generation’s preconceived notion of who God is, i.e., they are blinded by their own narrowmindedness and judgment.
Not much has changed in the past 2000 years. This passage reveals a deep truth about human nature: our tendency to judge and close off what we do not understand or what is unfamiliar. How quick are we to criticize and judge when someone or something does not fit into our own expectations and/or viewpoints? Are we truly seeking a deeper understanding? How do we react when we encounter someone who looks, thinks, prays, or loves differently than we do? Jesus is calling us to a deeper wisdom, to open our minds and open our hearts in ways that welcome different perspectives and experiences with love and compassion and without judgment.
Today is also the Feast Day of St. Lucy. Lucy, whose name means “light,” exemplifies the call to bring light into the world, not just through actions but also through the openness of our hearts and minds. Her example reminds us that true wisdom lies not in judgment, but in compassion and understanding. Like St. Lucy, we are called to shine our light through love, choosing to uplift rather than criticize.
Let us strive to embody an open-minded spirit, resisting the urge to judge those who may walk a different path. Instead, let us choose to approach each person with love, seeing the potential for goodness and light within them. This is especially needed in today’s world, where divisions seem to overshadow unity. By choosing understanding and compassion over judgment, we become instruments of peace and light, echoing the teachings of Jesus. Let us recognize our shared humanity. We are all on a journey, and by extending love to others, we can light the way, creating a ripple effect of kindness that can transform our families, our communities, our world.
Andrea Melanson Wlochowski