June 16, 2013: 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
That’s the framework of mind God desires for us when we approach another person. All of us make judgments about others through our own lenses. Because of our upbringing and our past experiences, we can’t help but see the other person through our own perspective. But how does God see us? Jesus surprised Simon the Pharisee in today’s gospel. Simon saw the woman who came to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears, strictly through his lens--his disapproval of her character flaws, her failures, and her numerous sins. How many of us do this to our own in-laws, our friends, and even our own spouse, children, and family members? At any given time, each of us can be like Simon. Jesus then invites Simon and all of us to see the woman from Heavenly Father’s Heart. Since today is Father’s Day weekend, I’d like for all the fathers to recall when your child was little, especially when your child first learned to say ‘no’ to you. Did you forgive them? Of course! Your love for them was much greater than their failures. You did not take the attitude of, “You should know better.” Instead, fathers, you took the attitude of, “My little child does not understand what she is doing to others and to herself.” You had great patience and forgave your child. This is how God who is love, sees us.
Jesus reminds us that our understanding of Heavenly Father is incomplete, until we begin to see how His Heart is patient, compassionate, and forgiving. Earlier, I mentioned about going to a Nicaragua mission with an open heart with the possibility of having my own preconceived beliefs shaken. That happened this Friday, when I sat down next to the poor who came into our office seeking financial assistance. I knew there was lot of poverty in Donaldsonville, and to be honest, I looked away. I shared the same attitude that many Americans have: that poverty can be overcome by taking initiative and working hard. I believed that both of our parishes were doing enough to help the "less-fortunate." But on this occasion, Lord prompted me to listen to their lives, as Mother Teresa said, ‘to see Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor.’ A mother of two who came for assistance shared that when she lived in California her children attended summer programs which gave them meaningful activities and provided breakfast and lunch for them. But here in Donaldsonville, there is nothing for them, so they stay home. And without a vehicle or disposable income to take them anywhere, there are no other options. Another person shared how her disintegrating marriage made her more vulnerable and feel trapped. Without supporting family members around, meager income from work, and no vehicle, she felt there were no options. A single woman who works full-time at minimum wage without a vehicle shared how after paying rent and usual bills, there is nothing left at the end of the month. After listening to them, Lord prompted me, “Paul, do you see how my children are suffering?” It was a moment of epiphany for me.
