Who Are Your Outcasts? (Day 17)

I like today’s reflection. It really puts judging in perspective. You see we all have the predisposition to judge persons and situations that pull us out of our comfort zone.

It is a completely almost natural reaction. Most of us do not like to move or operate out of our comfort zones.

Therefore, we become blind to those who may be less fortunate than ourselves. We may feel sympathy for the suffering, the homeless and the poor but not empathy.

Today’s reflection reminds us these are exactly the types of people Jesus sought out. Those who stretch us, calling us out of our comfort zone.

The ones most of us would not give a second glance. If we are honest with ourselves, we judge them, sometimes with the mentality of the Old Testament that links circumstance with God’s favor or wrath.

Anyway we know that Jesus does not shy away from the poor and the lame. In fact, he seeks them out, speaks with them, eats with them and reveals himself to them.

We should ponder this deeply, as we read the stories of the New Testament we see that Jesus is not impressed with social standing or status but wants to make a point that all are welcome in His Kingdom. If Jesus can reach across social divide and prejudices shouldn’t we.

The only one who knows a person’s heart is Our Lord. We cannot pretend to know another interiority or soul. We are called to love without exception, to reach out to the poor, lame, societal outcasts and provide comfort in their affliction. Even if it is only eye contact and a smile.

We must strive to treat everyone as if they are Our Lord, even if the package makes us stretch ourselves out of our comfort zone.

Try, it will be hard, I am sure, because our conditioned response will our biggest obstacle.

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