I KNOW WHY
YOU DID THAT!
INTRODUCTION
The title of my homily for this 12 Monday in Ordinary Time is, “I Know Why You Did That!”
I once heard Father Pat Lynch - when he was stationed here at
St. Mary’s Parish - give a homily - and he took his hand - and walked two
fingers across the front edge of the pulpit - paused and then said with his
great smile, “Nobody ever saw a motive walk down the street!”
I don’t remember what his homily was about - but I have
never forgotten that simple message - and I remember it at times - not always -
when I find myself judging another person’s motive.
TODAY’S GOSPEL
And I usually remember that simple example and message whenever I read today’s
gospel. And I probably use that example whenever I have to say a few words
about today’s gospel.
Good. It’s a good example. It reminds us to do what Jesus
says here in the Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus tells us to: STOP JUDGING!
Jesus tells us that we nit pick on others - spotting the
splinters in our sister or our brother’s eye - but we don’t spot the wooden
beams in our own eye.
It’s like spotting a tiny piece of white flaky dandruff on
the shoulder of a blue suit or dress and we don’t see the gossip stains splashed
all over our own soul.
In other words, “Let him or her without splinters cast the
first judgment and comment.”
IT’S A BUMMER!
Jesus also tells us in today’s gospel to change our measuring stick - our ruler -
because it can both rule and ruin a meal or a relationship or life for us.
Let me explain one of my human learnings or life lessons.
I
know someone who has a great musical ear and great musical talents. When he
hears someone sing or play the piano - he’s hearing that music differently than
I hear it. I don’t have an ear - in fact, I was in the Tin Ear Club all through
my years in the seminary. I hear music with unmarked rulers or measuring
sticks or scores. I’m happy if someone can simply stand up there and sing or play the
guitar or the piano. Amazing! He hears it with his measuring sticks - and if
it’s off pitch a half note or a quarter note - if there is such a thing - or
off tune or flat, it irritates him. I laugh, because that’s what you get when
you get a great musical ear or any talent.
I once took a workshop when I lived in Wisconsin on Religious Art by a Sister
Monica - who was an artist. She showed us slides of good religious art and
horrible religious art. As a result I look at religious art differently and
appreciate art better - but it ruined some holy cards and magazine and book
covers with religious art for me. I have to be careful that I don’t poo poo
someone’s art work - or become snooty.
So we have our measuring rulers on what makes a great work of art or song - as well as a hamburger, veal parmesan, movie, marriage, spouse, child, neighbor, priest, sermon,
conversation, morning, afternoon, evening, fire works, wine, whiskey, beer,
sunset, and sometimes we don’t enjoy any of the above because we’re comparing
moments and people with other moments and people and situations. If we have a high bar, we might not enjoy the
cocktail. Comparisons can crush and crunch and quench the spirit.
CONCLUSION
In the meanwhile, take long walks and listen to music. But don't walk or listen with your rulers or your motives or your wooden beams. Listen or walk with open, clean, clear eyes - and enjoy the
delights God is presenting us with today. Amen.