How we look at things

We are only human, but we are called to a higher level in how we think, how we speak, and how we act.

As today’s readings remind us, this extends to how we view other people.

We are attracted to those who look good and we are uncomfortable around those who dress shabbily.

We are attracted to those with money and power and sometimes ignore those who are needy.

Today’s first reading (James 2:1-9) calls us to a higher level.

My brothers and sisters, show no partiality
as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes
comes into your assembly,
and a poor person with shabby clothes also comes in,
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes
and say, “Sit here, please,”
while you say to the poor one,
“Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,”
have you not made distinctions among yourselves
and become judges with evil designs?

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.
Did not God choose those who are poor in the world
to be rich in faith
and heirs of the Kingdom that he promised
to those who love him?
But you dishonored the poor.
Are not the rich oppressing you?
And do they themselves not haul you off to court?
Is it not they who blaspheme
the noble name that was invoked over you?
However, if you fulfill the royal law
according to the Scripture,
You shall love your neighbor as yourself,
you are doing well.
But if you show partiality,
you commit sin,
and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

We naturally want life to be easy and happy and want to avoid difficulties.

In today’s Gospel (Mark 8:27-33), Peters expresses this common attitude and he is sharply denounced by our Lord himself.

He began to teach them
that the Son of Man must suffer greatly
and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed, and rise after three days.
He spoke this openly.
Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples,
rebuked Peter and said,
“Get behind me, Satan.
You are thinking not as God does,
but as human beings do.”

May you and I look at everyone and everything with the eyes of God.