First Reading: Amos 8:4-6. 9-12; Psalm: 119. R. v. Mt 4:4; Gospel: Mt 9:9-13

LOVE CHANGES PEOPLE NOT CRITICISM

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

There are two kinds of people who criticise. Those who criticise feeling they have what it takes to do it better. And those who criticise impetuously having no clue whatsoever to do otherwise when given the chance. When we criticise a people or an action, it is taking for granted that we are not guilty of what we are criticising. For it would be absurd to criticise what we are also guilty of. Criticising impetuously and blindly without having any idea of what to do when given the chance to right the perceived wrong is as worse as killing. Why should we destroy when we cannot build? The worst of it all is when we feel we have the ideas but refuse to come in after destructive criticism.

It would be terrible of a doctor to detect an illness and refuse to treat it. Jesus was a great physician who saw in the tax collectors and sinners those who needed spiritual healing. And he was very generous and available to help them overcome these shortcomings. He was not far from them but became their friend, wining and dining with them. It is wise to accept people first before pointing out their faults. This was unlike the Pharisees who stood at a distance while condemning the tax collectors and sinners. Yet, they were neither righteousness themselves nor were disposed to practically help to correct what they saw as wrong in others.

No human being is completely bad. If we cannot say one constructive thing about a people, then we should never say destructive things about them. If we cannot build, we should not destroy. The truth is that if we see a people or somebody as totally evil, we will have no reason to come close to them. But it attracts to identify something good in people no matter how small. If that brother or sister is not doing well in that position, don’t keep a distance or speak ill of the person. Rather, let the little good in them draw us closer while we charitably point out their shortcomings and help them to grow. When it comes to criticism, you cannot change anyone from a distance. Our manner of approach matters a lot.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, grant us the disposition to appreciate one another. Amen.