On another sabbath he went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up and stand before us." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?"
Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
The Word in other words
The Scribes and Pharisees are a most pitiable lot. In the Gospel, they were closely waiting and watching Jesus if He would cure on the Sabbath so they could lay a charge against Him. It is quite incredible that they never said a good thing about Jesus. Never. Wala. Zero. Since they were blinded by pride and envy, they were always on the lookout for a flaw, a fault, a failure, an imperfection, a weakness. In the end, they plotted and succeeded to kill Him. Tragic figures.
Finding and picking faults in others is a subtle, destructive business. It distorts one's view of things, destroys relationships, degrades the other person, and debases one's soul.
It is amazing how people can be so stingy with appreciation and praise. The fact is, praising people is the most effortless thing to do. It doesn't cost one penny to express one's admiration and appreciation. It doesn't harm one to say a good word or two about one's officemate or colleague. It doesn't make one less admirable or commendable if one acknowledges the greatness in others. Not does it inconvenience one to applaud the other person's successes and accomplishments.
Any yet, at the great cost of energy, worry, and time, people always look for a ripple of weakness in the serene ocean of goodness.
It is said that praise is never entirely undeserved. So don't hesitate to utter it. All you need is sincerity- that's all. Don't be sparing or grudging with your approving words. Go ahead. Say it. Blurt it out.
You will never fail to discover something good in others to speak about. Be generous with your positive comments and kind remarks. Tell all and sundry about the good things and virtues you hear and see in others.
The world is like an arid land in dire need of benevolence and magnanimity. Let's sprinkle it with cool water of praise and approbation. Let's shower it with refreshing drops of sincerity and kindness. Let the rain of appreciation fall on everyone we meet, and let a thousand flowers of goodwill sprout and bloom.
- Fr. Raymun F. Festia, SVD (CKMS, QC)
