Sin flows from self-concern which is out of control June 23—In the train, as I had an unkind thought about another passenger. “Don’t judge too quickly. Don’t judge people by appearances.” Bossis, Gabrielle. He and I (Kindle Locations 753-754). Pauline Books and Media. Kindle Edition. ++++++++++ When I become anxious, which often shows itself as anger, I find myself making rash judgments, none of them kind, about others. Even when I have the understanding that this judgment is most likely way off target, yet, I persist. It takes a lot of patience towards myself to be able to slow down, think, and pray. Still, it can persist. In the end, I find out that I was indeed wrong. I get into trouble when I judge the intent of the one I am angry at. As if I can read their hearts and minds. When angry I want to control what is around me so that my anxiety lessens. It never works. People cannot be controlled, but they can be loved and accepted. Sin flows from self-concern which is out of control. If not attended to, this can become a habit, which can be self-destructive on many levels. It can make me less human, more feral-like, a giving in to the flesh, as St. Paul calls it. The fruit of such a life is one of constant friction between others and myself, as well as against life as it runs its course. I cannot control anything, only myself through God’s grace. Often when I pray, all I can do is say simple prayers, and focus on the words. To know what I am saying, and how it comes from a deep need for grace, mercy, and compassion from God. My inner world can be caught up in a mighty whirlwind, which only prayer can calm. It is this love and compassion of God as shown in Christ Jesus that encourages me to continue on and not be overly concerned with my ‘inner-ape’. The road to becoming truly human, as Christ Jesus was human, is not an easy one, and is often out of step with how things are done in the world. Yet as Christians we are called to pray over the Scriptures so as to take on the Mind-of-Christ. To come to experience the reality, that it is indeed Christ who lives in me. We are called to oneness with God’s will. Also to grow in humility so we can see our need for healing and mercy. This leads us to grow in compassion for all humans, who we may find easy to judge. Yet on the Christian path, we realize that even if thoughts of judgments come up, and anger, we do not need to believe them, we understand the compulsiveness of such experiences. So we pray for those who bring out our worst and are thankful that we can grow in self-knowledge, we stop becoming victims of our past, as well as our shallow likes and dislikes of others. All are made in the image and likeness of God, with no exceptions, that is why we are told in numerous places in the Scriptures that we should not judge the worth of any human person or their souls, or give up on those we come in contact with. Yes not an easy road, but with Christ Jesus we are more than conquerors, for as the reality of the Mind-of-Christ grows in us we see others from a different perspective, with the very heart of our loving Father.-BrMD
