Dealing with Criticism.

Homily for September 20, 2017


The last thing any man would ever succeed in doing in this life is to be able to please everybody. No matter how hard you try, there will always be a loophole or error in whatever you do. And whether you like it or not, there will always be people to criticize you. That is just life for you.

Just hear what Jesus says in today’s Gospel passage “To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? … For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine; and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of man has come eating and drinking; and you say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:31-34.

Are you worried about what people are saying about you behind your back? Do you feel affected by the names people call you? Are you constantly trying to read people’s minds, constantly wondering what they might be thinking about you? Enough is enough.

One thing is sure. If only we try to please God as much as we waste time and effort trying to please people, our lives would be much better. However not all criticism is bad. There is something called constructive criticism. This is when people criticize us because they want us to be better at what we do. For instance, I am always happy when people point out my spelling or pronunciation errors because they remind me that I am still learning and I have improved a lot by taking corrections.

It is in this light that we are able to appreciate Paul’s letter to Timothy wherein he admonishes the young Bishop on the qualities expected of the office. Paul says: “I am writing these instructions to you so that…you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God.” 1 Timothy 3:14-15.

In actual sense, no single human being in perfect. We all need teachers, mentors or guides. As they say, it is only your friend that would tell you whether or not your mouth is smelling. And for us to really benefit from any friendship or mentorship at all, we must be humble enough to see things from their own perspective and not be puffed up by pride.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I place my life in your hands. Help me to strive to please you alone and not the people around me.  Amen.

May the martyrs, Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hassang and companions who offered their very lives for the spread of the faith in Korea intercede for us and give us courage to stand for our faith even in the face of ongoing persecution today. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study:  1st Timothy 3:14-16 and Luke 7:31-35.)

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