Friday, January 16, 2009

Judge Not


Today I saw someone who was just pulled over by the police --probably a routine traffic stop. I thought to myself, "What a way to start the day." Thoughts were running through my head. The first thought was about the driver of the car. I thought how he should have followed the traffic rules. Then I thought more about that. The first thought was true, however we are also told not to judge each other.

Something inside told me this man needed some prayers. I wondered what this guy's life was like. Was he rushing off to work? Did he just not see the stop sign? Was this the first event in a really bad day? I decided that no matter what the situation is, even if the man intentionally broke the traffic law, that I should offer him a prayer. Maybe the prayer would help this man have a better day or make him see the need for traffic laws.

As we drove by, I said a silent Hail Mary, Our Father and Glory Be with the intention to help this man have a better day. Somehow in my soul I knew these prayers would be answered. Even though I wouldn't be able to see the results of my prayers, I knew in my heart that I helped make this man's day a little brighter. That alone filled up my heart with joy. I found a way to change my heart from a judging one to a praying one.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

January 6: The Feast of the Epiphany

One of my favorite parts of Christmas (other than the birth of Jesus) is the feast of the Epiphany. That is when the Wise Men visited Jesus in the manger. It's an amazing story of faith, wisdom and adoration. As the Wise Men were not Jews, the story also represents how Jesus was sent here for the Gentiles as well. He came here to save us all. It's up to us to accept it or not.