BUILD AND NOT DESTROY

LK 6: 39-45

MESSAGE

We live in an era where technology has empowered us to express ourselves freely. However, this has also led to a culture of anonymity and distance, making us bolder but not always more thoughtful. The rise of texting, private messaging, social media posts, trolling, fake news, and misinformation has created a landscape where anyone can point out the flaws in others while ignoring their own.

This generation of free expression has unfortunately also led to defamation, insults, bullying, blackmail, and hasty judgments. So easily do we comment on others’ faults, “the splinter in their eyes,” forgetting that we have weightier imperfections, “the wooden beam” in our own hearts. While words flow freely and actions are drive by impulse, we must ask ourselves: do they build or destroy relationships, communities, and nations?

As St. Francis de Sales noted, those who criticize others the most are often the most spiritually empty. In contrast, Jesus spoke from a place of wisdom, compassion, and kindness. Let us reflect on where we draw our words, our attitudes, and our actions from when we speak, express, and comment. Do we strive to be like him in forgiving, understanding, and caring for our neighbor?

REFLECT

This week, as we approach Lent, let us pray for the grace to purify our minds and hearts. May our words, thoughts, messages, and actions be a source of good news and inspiration to those around us.

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