For in truth it was the Lord who sent me to you, to speak all things for you to hear. – Jeremiah 26:15
Let’s admit it. It’s difficult to take correction from others. Or put in another way, it is hard to acknowledge the errors of our ways when others point them out to us. We don’t like to be told we are wrong. More so, if we strongly believe there is really nothing wrong!
In today’s First Reading, this is exactly how the religious leaders felt when Jeremiah exhorted them and their community to reform their lives. So much was their indignation that they wanted Jeremiah executed. Their pride got the better of them. They saw Jeremiah as meddlesome and failed to realize that he was actually a bearer of good news.
Today’s reading challenges us to rethink our response when someone disagrees with us or points out what he thinks is our mistake. It also challenges us to acknowledge that maybe we needed to hear that correction. It reminds us to set aside our pride and be open to the criticism and correction by not reacting to them but responding with love and understanding. We will be the better person for it. Erwin Roceles
Reflection: “Never assume that every critic is a hater. Not everyone is hating on you. Some people are telling you the truth.” (Unknown)
Dear Lord, grant me the grace to accept my many shortcomings, especially those that others have graciously pointed out to me. I pray that I may learn from them and strive to be better in my ways. Amen.
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