Galatians 5:18-25 / Luke 11:42-46
No one likes to be criticized or to be told of their faults and failings.
Instinctively, we will be defensive and we will counter-criticize the other person.
That is usually how relationships turn sour and may even turn violent.
In the gospel, Jesus pointed out the faults and failings of the Pharisees,
A lawyer reacted by saying that Jesus was insulting them too.
We certainly don’t like to be insulted, whether directly or indirectly.
But let us take a moment to check our instinctive reactions.
When we cringe or get angry when others criticize us, then it could be that they have pointed out something that we don’t want to acknowledge about ourselves.
It could be a case that others see the smoke but we don’t want them to see the fire.
But as the 1st reading says, when we are led by the Spirit, we will have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.
When faced with criticism and negative remarks, let us ask the Holy Spirit for the grace of self-control.
May the Holy Spirit direct us to see our faults and failings so as to rise to a life in the Spirit.