As St. Paul brings out the differences between the weak and the strong in this chapter he call us all to observe our faith with a vivid sense and reality of the joy, peace, and justice we all have in Christ Jesus. It is our duty and desire to create an atmosphere that lends itself to these principles. In no way should we hinder joy, peace, and justice in the lives of our fellow human beings. If by imposing my views on another or any such group of individuals at the risk of jeopardizing their peace then what truth I have tried to introduce would be darkened as opposed to the light that it intended to bring. Our passing judgment on someone should be tempered with our removal of joy that is inner joy from the heart of an individual especially one who may be weaker in the faith. I suppose Paul is also saying this as one who has at times been the proverbial bull in a china closet when it comes to zealousness with no sense of consideration for his fellow man.
We often see this in families when a mother who may be the more gentle of the two parents trying to restrain her spouse in his approach to discipline that may very well have truth and obedience to correct behavior in mind but the approach may be too harsh for a child to bear. Therefore in good conscience the gentler spouse may try to restrain the more aggressive parent in their approach to administering discipline and truth. The very work of God taking place in that individual which could be assisted by the right type of approach may be hindered if an aggressive approach to discipline and correction is displayed. This may drive such a wedge of bitterness into a heart that is in the making that it could be misguided, and the intention for good may be tarnished and misdirected. The call here is an approach that renders peace and lays a foundation that can be built upon and suitable for continuation in the matters of truth and life. What good would it do if while we are trying to observe and demonstrate a truth that once we have done this we could no longer address this individual or audience again because our original approach left them with such a bitter taste in their mouth.
One's
particular freedom should not be carried out at the expense of that same freedom
becoming an obstacle for someone else. Your liberty to drink and eat whatever
you choose could be something of an inherent weakness for someone else. Perhaps
this particular freedom you have should be restrained whenever in a public
situation where it can be observed by others who are weaker and look to you even
without you being aware. Therefore you may have some doubts to what you are
doing because you are in a public environment and are not sure who you could
possibly cause to stumble. It is better to avoid that particular freedom and do
whatever you do with complete faith that it is alright and not an hindrance to
anyone. Yes, this could sometimes be difficult and somewhat restraining and
perhaps take away from your personal enjoyment. But the question arises, is my
enjoyment to practice my freedoms more important than practicing my faith? One
might want to consider that in the bringing up an nurturing of children as
well.
His servants and yours,
Gerard & Yolanda Cleffi Directors
Oratory of Divine Love
Everyone makes mistakes. The human critic may know how to do something better than this man or that man. He may not, however, know the motives or intentions of the one he criticizes. He has no right to reveal another's hidden faults except to protect the innocent, or to help the guilty person himself.
-Anthony J. Paone, S.J. My Daily Bread, Brooklyn N.Y., Confraternity Of The Precious Blood, Pg.164
Lord teach me to mind my own business and to pray for those who seem to need it. Never will I forget Your great Mercy to me, a sinner. As You forgive me, so may I always forgive those who offend me. Never will I reveal the hidden faults of another, except where I am obliged to protect those who are innocent or the the public good. Amen.
-Anthony J. Paone, S.J. My Daily Bread, Brooklyn N.Y., Confraternity Of The Precious Blood, Pg.165