13 September 2013
Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Christ calls us to clarity of sight. True vision occurs if we are honest with ourselves about our shortcomings, instead of focusing on those of others. It is a truism that often the aspects of people that most disturb us are those that touch upon something similar in ourselves. For example, a coworker’s apparent arrogance may chafe against one’s own subconscious sense of superiority. St. Paul today acknowledges that he too had been “an arrogant man.” Then, in a beautiful statement, he confesses that, “I have been mercifully treated.” Can we say the same about how God has dealt with us?
What is the specific “wooden beam” that blocks my vision of who I am meant to be in Christ? Take a moment to pray and to ask God for the grace to be freed from this. Amazingly, we are meant to radiate God’s own life. Jesus affirms, “when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” We are the disciples of Jesus, destined (if we cooperate) to become little icons of Christ in the world today. Yet, we must beg God to free us from those things that prevent us from such a glorious mission.