I read many Catholic and non-Catholic blogs that make me think or ponder, sometimes on a daily basis. One of these blogs belongs to the venerable Father John Zuhlsdorf (What Does The Prayer Really Say?). He recently re-posted an article by Hallie Lord from Faith & Family Live titled “In over my head”.
A portion of the article – and Father Zuhlsdorf’s commentary (in red) – caught my attention and got me thinking a great deal
For a while I resisted the idea of covering my head at Mass because I was afraid I would come across as holier-than-thou. I’ve come to realize what an uncharitable assumption that was, [Because it assumed the worst about others and what they were thinking.] though. I never feel anything other than delight when I see a sister in Christ wearing a veil at Church. I’m a bit ashamed that I assumed others would react less graciously than I did.
Something about both Mrs. Lord’s & Father Zuhlsdorf’s observations rung particularly true. So many times, what we do or don’t do reflects a judgment we have made about the other person. Where else might this apply in our lives?
Think about how often we react to things that happen around us and actions of other people. What do our re-actions reveal about our attitudes & assumptions towards others? How often do we assume the worst about another person – judging them in the process & failing to give them even the opportunity to show their own virtue, as charity demands of us?
What if we truly assumed the best of others? Wouldn’t today be a great day to start?
- Fr Maurer