In many movies, not only in old westerns but also in the latest blockbusters, there are
the good buys and the bad guys. The plot involves in eliminating the bad guys in
various ways.
We too have become comfortable with the labels we assign to groups of peoples.
Does God see them this way? Would not God be aware of certain flaws in the “good
people” and some good qualities in the “bad people?” Maybe it ultimately is not up to
us to judge. What does seem important to God is that we love our neighbor as
ourselves. Jesus adds that this is especially true for those who are marginalized in our
society. Only then can we ever hope to arrive at a level of peace, which allows us to
comprehend the unity of all peoples, even within the diversity that we experience. It
requires a spirituality that goes beyond our limited capacity and relies on grace to
begin to see with the eyes of God. Then labels would start to fade away as we become
aware of the unique beauty of each person reflecting the goodness of the creator.
• Is it difficult for you to avoid labels for certain groups?
• How would Jesus relate to people from different races, cultures, religions, sexual
identities?
• Would taking the opportunity to get to know a person different from you, help
in avoiding labels?
O God, help me be an instrument for extending your love to all.