In today’s reflection from the Daily Mass, Fr Dean explores what it means to be criticised and how it can open up a space for self reflection
The readings for Tuesday in the 28th Week of Ordinary Time can be found here
Politicians and others who are experienced in being interviewed on live TV or radio, will know how to use up airtime and avoid giving answers before the allotted time runs out.
In turn, the interviewer will use every technique to constantly push them, hoping to catch them out and get them to say what they would have preferred not to.
In the gospel reading today, the Pharisees are trying to do exactly that. They are trying to push Jesus so that he will say something that will catch him out. They are lying in wait for him. They’ve taken a battering lately and they want their own back. He’s criticised them for so many things, and the truth has been hard to take. They won’t take this lying down.
None of us likes to be criticised and hear harsh truths about ourselves. Of course, sometimes the criticism may be unfair or come from a place that is harsh and judgemental, with its own agenda. Perhaps some of us are over critical of and harsh on ourselves. We may be our own worst enemy. Whilst taking criticism can be a difficult thing to do, it can often create a space for self reflection, which is a good thing if it’s accompanied by the knowledge that God loves us—and a yearning to be perfect just as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Mass today is at Ss Dyfrig and Samson, Grangetown at 10am
South Cardiff Ministry Area 