The Lectio Room

“Before you say anything about someone, Jesus teaches, first think of yourself.  This question by Jesus creates a new way of life: ‘Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?’ (Matthew 7:3)  A good look at the mirror of our own soul reveals that we don’t have everything together, and this self-knowledge creates a pattern of empathy and sympathy for others.  With this penetrating question, Jesus shows us that judgmentalism needs to give way to empathic, loving discernment.” (p 107)

We arrive at “empathic, loving discernment” by thinking of ourselves first?  That is a new way to think of judgment and discernment for me.  What about you?

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.”
Matthew 7:24-24

Facing this day: Those who live by Jesus’ principles live a different kind of life.

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1

“Hes has told you, O mortal, what is god; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8

Facing the Day: Practice spiritual disciplines as gifts from God to lead you to love God and others.

“The Jesus Creed ethic counters everything our culture considers great …. true greatness is measured not by fame and fortune, but by goodness and mercy.” (p 86)

Is culture the source of your ethic or is the Jesus Creed?

“Let you light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“The influence we are to have on others by living the Jesus Creed comes through good works.  We are called by Jesus to be people of good works – to love others by doing them good.  We can do good by … … …” (p 82)

How do you do good?