According to Dictionary.com, the word hypocrite means:
1. A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. A person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements. A pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
Years ago, as this apostolate lead me to an intimate relationship with Jesus, a few people in my life didn't appreciate the new me. As I tried to become holier, wounded parts of the old Bonnie still emerged at times. I remember someone calling me a hypocrite whenever I slipped back into old patterns instead of being the humble lay apostle I was striving to become. It felt like all my hard work was dismissed over one slip. But what it taught me was . . . I am being watched and must practice what I preach! A lesson we all need to grasp and incorporate into our daily walk with Christ. A tough endeavor for all of us wounded little girls and boys, but one so necessary to live an eternity with Jesus!
Today's Gospel (Luke 12:54-59) clearly tells us to work on ourselves first:
Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
"Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."
In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she reminds us to remain true to who we are instead of trying to appear better than we are:
"Because we serve in our humanity, it is true that we will not always set the example that either we or Jesus desires but let us strive to consider always, in our words and actions, what kind of example we are giving to others. There are some who position themselves around the place of the divine will, never entering, but claiming always to possess the attributes of the Architect of this place. These are the thieves and brigands. Suddenly, the word hypocrisy springs to mind. We must remember to be authentic. If we are having a hard time in holiness, we should not try to give the impression that we are worthy of canonization. Now the word humility springs to mind. If we are humble, we are proceeding in truth."
Lay apostles, sometimes we can become quite irritated with the actions of others and lash out. But what are we really irritated with? Is it old wounds being recreated in front of our own eyes by someone else? Is it someone who says one thing and does another? Whatever it is, stay humble. Remain on the path to holiness.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of humility. Continue to lead me on the path of holiness, leaving hypocrisy behind. Living my truth makes life so much easier! P.S. Sorry for the hiccups every once in a while.
God bless,
Bonnie
1. A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. A person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements. A pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
Years ago, as this apostolate lead me to an intimate relationship with Jesus, a few people in my life didn't appreciate the new me. As I tried to become holier, wounded parts of the old Bonnie still emerged at times. I remember someone calling me a hypocrite whenever I slipped back into old patterns instead of being the humble lay apostle I was striving to become. It felt like all my hard work was dismissed over one slip. But what it taught me was . . . I am being watched and must practice what I preach! A lesson we all need to grasp and incorporate into our daily walk with Christ. A tough endeavor for all of us wounded little girls and boys, but one so necessary to live an eternity with Jesus!
Today's Gospel (Luke 12:54-59) clearly tells us to work on ourselves first:
Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
"Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."
In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she reminds us to remain true to who we are instead of trying to appear better than we are:
"Because we serve in our humanity, it is true that we will not always set the example that either we or Jesus desires but let us strive to consider always, in our words and actions, what kind of example we are giving to others. There are some who position themselves around the place of the divine will, never entering, but claiming always to possess the attributes of the Architect of this place. These are the thieves and brigands. Suddenly, the word hypocrisy springs to mind. We must remember to be authentic. If we are having a hard time in holiness, we should not try to give the impression that we are worthy of canonization. Now the word humility springs to mind. If we are humble, we are proceeding in truth."
Lay apostles, sometimes we can become quite irritated with the actions of others and lash out. But what are we really irritated with? Is it old wounds being recreated in front of our own eyes by someone else? Is it someone who says one thing and does another? Whatever it is, stay humble. Remain on the path to holiness.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of humility. Continue to lead me on the path of holiness, leaving hypocrisy behind. Living my truth makes life so much easier! P.S. Sorry for the hiccups every once in a while.
God bless,
Bonnie
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