The truth eventually comes out, doesn't it? Whether it's within minutes or years down the road, all will be exposed. Personally, I'd rather face the ugly truth up front. Get it over with as soon as possible. Tell me when I have offended right then and there. In times when I'm confronted with disrespect, I try to ignore the behavior the first few times, giving the benefit of the doubt. Then it becomes a choice of saying something or letting the bad behavior continue. But there are some situations where the offending party is just not ready to admit the reasons for their bad behavior or may not even realize they are offensive. When I think of Jesus in this scenario (He was constantly dealing with adversity!), I have to remember His message is always to lead with love and compassion while still maintaining solid boundaries. Not always easy, but so necessary!
Todays Gospel (Mark 4:21-25) points out that eventually truth will be revealed:
Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
In Whispers From the Cross, Anne a lay apostle directs us to the foot of the cross when we are hurt by others:
Todays Gospel (Mark 4:21-25) points out that eventually truth will be revealed:
Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
In Whispers From the Cross, Anne a lay apostle directs us to the foot of the cross when we are hurt by others:
"In the course of each life, we can expect to be betrayed. We can
expect others to turn against us and be false, even perhaps while
they pretend to be our friends. Falseness hurts the most. A
proclaimed enemy at least allows us to be on guard. When one
pretends to be a friend, we allow love to flow through us to them.
We give. Our guard is down. When this love is exploited and it is
found that person has abused love, one’s trust can be badly
shaken. Such hurt. The only place to take it is to the foot of the Crucified Christ. That is the only place where it will make sense.
And, when we deliver this hurt to Jesus, He is able to console us
and guide us through the temptations that accompany betrayal."
Lay apostles, can you think of someone who just won't give you a break? Someone whose comments and/or actions are like flaming arrows to bring you down to their level of misery? We all know or have known people like this. Are love and compassion your first thoughts when attacked? To be honest, it's not mine usually! But, I have learned, through this mission, to act and react a little calmer, a little more peaceful (thank God Jay is a patient listener!), and to see others through His Eyes to the best of my ability. I am a work in progress, but I'm getting there!
Thank you, Lord, for continually providing the insight I need to remain calm when adversity strikes.
God bless,
Bonnie
Lay apostles, can you think of someone who just won't give you a break? Someone whose comments and/or actions are like flaming arrows to bring you down to their level of misery? We all know or have known people like this. Are love and compassion your first thoughts when attacked? To be honest, it's not mine usually! But, I have learned, through this mission, to act and react a little calmer, a little more peaceful (thank God Jay is a patient listener!), and to see others through His Eyes to the best of my ability. I am a work in progress, but I'm getting there!
Thank you, Lord, for continually providing the insight I need to remain calm when adversity strikes.
God bless,
Bonnie
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