JUSTICE

To be just, to be fair, to look at both sides of each story we hear, takes a true sense of Justice - an strong awareness of what is right and wrong.

However, the Truth of what is right and what is wrong is not an easy task, because we are human and flawed in many ways.

My opinion of what is right can easily be wrong. Equally so for another person.

So, how does one learn to know what is truthful, and have the conviction to abide by what we know to be right.

Christ says ' I am the Truth! ' Perhaps this is the best and easiest way to follow.

When we study the Life of Christ and become aware of His message of love and compassion / His willingness to care for the weak and protect the innocent, we can learn to become Christlike. We become Truthful.

Justice can be cloaked in different ways in the world we live in, yet true justice will always bear the banner of Truth.

A FOOL FOR GOD!

 To become a fool for God is not an easy task, especially when suffering is involved. Who wants to suffer, to appear foolish in the eyes of others?  

Our natural pride does not, and usually will not allow us to appear as a fool; a laughing stock for others, or worse still, a victim-soul.

However, when we truly believe in our Faith, and look at the Crucifix, we are reminded of how much God is willing to become a fool for us.

There are victim-souls who willingly lay down their lives for their beliefs and their conviction of just how much they are loved by God. Could I be one of them?

At this moment in time, I very much doubt it.  My Faith is real, and my belief that God loves me, yet... suffering?  That is a hard choice to make.

Perhaps God plays with us, the way a Father plays with a little child, and yet, may ask us to measure up to the needs of the times we are living in.  

'No greater love is there, than to lay down our life for the One we love.

HAPPY HEART

 Part of being a healthy person is to have a good heart; able to monitor ourselves as regards our breathing and fitness.  We owe it to ourselves to keep safe and well.

Perhaps the same applies to having a good heart in relation to people and life itself. We meet challenges in life that test our ability to have a good-hearted attitude to all that happens to us in our daily lives.

Covid-19  is a good example of how hard it can be to keep looking at the good side of life, and not dwell on all the things we cannot do.  We might feel we are missing out on friendships and family meetings etc.

This is where a positive attitude will guide us to understand just how much love it takes to do what is right and protect those we believe we love by keeping them safe and well.  

'No greater love can one have, than to lay down one's life for another'                          

No greater love one can one have, than to lay aside our desires, for the sake of protecting those we are called to love.

EXERCISE

This evening, I joined Veronica in doing 'keep-fit' exercises.  I lasted for ten minutes, yet I was encouraged. 10 is better than none.

I was prompted to remind myself of how important it is to be fit, physically.  Then it occurred to me that as our bodies need exercise, so also our souls need exercise too.

The Jesuits are noted for their Spiritual Exercises, and this could be a good practice if one is drawn to it.  For myself, I feel drawn to a more simple version put forward by Saint Therese, called the 'Little Way'.

Therese invites us to come to God as a child would come to a Father.  This way we draw on the compassion and love of God for us.  Perhaps this also links with the belief among many spiritual-minded people...                            

 'When I recognize how weak I am, then God becomes my strength.

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MY TREASURE

My treasure in life is found in the company of friends; those who accept me as I am. More importantly, those whom I accept just as they are. 

Perhaps, we filter through likes and dislikes, and make judgements about what is right and wrong.  Yet, how easily we can be wrong in our assessment of what we believe to be truthful.

Christ said,' I am the Truth...'  What a profound statement.  So, for those of us who believe in the Christian message,  we have a standard to help us judge what is right and wrong.  How surprised we can be to discover the Mind of Christ when we hear about his compassion and love for those who are weak and need help.

Even more so, the lessons taught to us,  'If you feed the hungry / give a glass of water to a thirsty person, you give it to Me.'

Perhaps, more than ever, we are being invited to look after those around us.   Look out for those who might need our help.  Are we available?  How can we help?

PRIDE versus HUMILITY

 Humility is such a special virtue, and not easily acquired.  Perhaps the biggest obstacle is our pride, and we can all lay claim to that.

So, we might ask ourselves, what is humility and how do we discern it?  Am I humble because I care for others, or is my caring for others based on a desire to be liked and appreciated?

I believe the proper definition of Humility is to be devoid of selfish pride. A willingness to step away from oneself and allow concern for others to be put into first place.

Pride is a common factor ;  we all have pride and this can be a protection against evil and wrong-doing.  

A proud person will have a standard of proper conduct and regard for one's good behavior.  However, we can and often step over the line as regards what is right and wrong and allow our pride to rise us above others.  Then we are in big trouble.

Whereas the humble person is centered on Truth, and will have a high regard for honesty and universal wellbeing.  If a humble person commits a fault, they will be quick to say sorry and admit their fault.

Perhaps, a simple guideline between humility and pride is integrity; our ability to always want to do what is right, regardless of the cost.

A proud person can lead a lonely life.  The humble person will be loved by ALL!