12th Week in Ordinary Time : Monday 23rd June 2025

Holy Scriptures encourage us to trust in the Lord and it also calls us towards self-reflection. It is often easier for us to address the speck in another’s eye and to not see the log in our own eye (v3-5). Hence, when we do have proper self-reflection, we rectify what is flawed. Then compassion, understanding and humility, our relationship with others grows deeper and wider towards the kind of friendship that Jesus forges with us.

In Jesus, we see God does not judge anyone; only their disorders, so as to show them He values friendship, kindness and charity more, implanting in them the seeds of hope to bud into concrete sturdy icons of hope. And showing repentance that is imbued by His love.

We see this wonder in St Joseph Cafasso, an Italian Catholic priest who was a significant social reformer in early 19th century Turin. He combined the work of teaching moral theology and the formation of priests with the ministry in the confessional and the service of pastoral charity to the poor and distressed of all kinds, particularly to prisoners and those condemned to death. In this way, he brought the mercy and compassion of God by reconciling them with God and bringing peace to their souls. His quote “Be gentle therefore with everyone; be particularly so with those who least deserve it or who behave badly towards you. This is the very best thing for you to do.” Can I practise this?

Lord Jesus, let gentleness rule my heart to serve others today.