WHEN DEALING WITH IMPERFECTIONS - 9/3/22 (Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church)

Luke 6:1-2

While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them.  Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090322.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great!   There was nothing wrong with the disciples of Jesus when they were picking the heads of grains. The Sabbath was a day of rest to give more time to God, but this did not mean that the disciples could not do any physical work at all. And yet, the Pharisees still looked for their mistakes, even to the point of making unreasonable accusations. Why were they doing this? Well, one reason was because they disliked Jesus whose gospel was contrary to their lifestyle. At the same time, another reason may be their perfectionism. 

The Pharisees were also known as people who viewed themselves very high, and as such, they looked down on other people. It's easy for them to see the imperfections of other people, without looking on their own. Unfortunately, this is a manifestation of pride. We can also be perfectionists, and due to this, we may dislike our neighbors when we see their mistakes. It's as if we are making ourselves the standards for other people. However, what can only cure us of pride is humility. It is a recognition that we are sinners who are in need of God's mercy. Through humility, we will not be disappointed or frustrated when we see the imperfections of others because we want to be patient with them just as how God is always patient with us. It is this perfectionism out of pride that can cause big problems, even in our own families. 

And yet, even if we try to not elevate ourselves from others, there are times that we can be scrupulous. Scrupulosity is the opposite of laxity. If a person who has laxity will ignore God's commandments and see nothing wrong with it, a person with scrupulosity may see something wrong, even if there is none, and this person may be disturbed even with his or her own imperfections. It's as if the person doubts God's mercy. But, God loves us. He loves us infinitely despite our imperfections. When things do not go our way, these are clear opportunities for us to submit to God's will and to trust Him. Even when we see our sins, regardless of how small or big they are, we will also see that God loves us, and He always invites us to repentance because of His love. He doesn't push us away from Him. 

St. Gregory the Great was the first monk who was chosen to be the Pope. At first, he find it difficult to live as a Pope because he did not have the silence that he once had when he was still a monk. But, he accepted God's will, and from there, he became instrumental for evangelization, for morality, spirituality, and for liturgy because he's credited for the Gregorian Chant. Sometimes, it's by being patient amidst the imperfections that we can persevere more to the path to perfection. When we are struggling to see God's mercy, may we not lose hope. God also invites us to pray the rosary, and through the compassionate love of our Mother Mary, we can be compassionate with ourselves. If there is an opportunity, may we also speak to priests and even share with them our struggles. God is always close to people who come to Him. It's because He comes to us first, and He will show us the path to eternal life. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Gregory the Great:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/september-3-st-gregory-the-great/

Amazing Testimony on Rosary:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FFyRwJBExMk

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/