Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
SANDPAPER MINISTRY
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2
I’ve
handled several action groups for women in our community. I knew it
wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t expect that it would test my character
and faith.
In
one group, I had a member who took the initiative to cancel our meeting
because of a conflict in her schedule. She called all her co-members
about the cancellation but forgot to advise me. I was at the venue
waiting for over an hour, worried why no one had arrived.
In
another group, a member arrived for our meeting just as we were about
to end. And to think that we had our meeting in her house. To make
matters worse, she was tipsy after a night of drinking.
These
kinds of situations are what I consider “sandpaper moments.” By
God’sgrace, what is obviously an irritant could become an opportunity to
forgive and exercise self-control. With our differences in opinion and
personality as well as our imperfections, we rub each other and help
smooth the rough edges. I’m thankful for all those who “sandpapered” me —
they helped me have a deeper faith in the Lord, taught me lessons in
humility and encouraged me to continue striving to be a better sister,
servant and friend. Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)
REFLECTION:
Do you rub others the right or the wrong way? Be God’s sandpaper to others today.
O
Father, help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to
sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy,
and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we
ask for thy name’s sake. Amen. (William Barclay).
St. Matthew, Apostle and evangelist, pray for us.
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