We are All One

Written by Bill Sbordon on Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Lent is time for fasting and deepening our relationship with God. During this time we’ll give up unnecessary (or unhealthy!) things, and maybe say an extra prayer or two a day.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 6:7-15), Jesus teaches the disciples the “Our Father”. How appropriate that we call God, “Our Father”, and not, “my Father”! We are all children of God. We are all brothers and sisters – and we should treat each other as such. Family members do not look at their own and see someone with lesser value.

It may be difficult to see your value in today’s world. We’re constantly bombarded with commercials, articles, and pictures of what we don’t have. Those reminders show us that there is always someone who is of more value than you, or, that who you are or what you’ve done lessens your value as a human being.

At the end of today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us this:

“If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

He stresses the importance of forgiveness. As we are all of the same value to God, neither of us is greater than another, no matter how many times we fall down.

This Lent, we should see the value in everyone around us, and not just those who are close to us. Let’s treat those, young and old, as we would our own brothers and sisters – with love and forgiveness.

Questions for Reflection:
When have you felt of lesser value than others?
What actions can we take to show others of their value when they are down or hurt?

Bill Sbordon
Bill is a young professional and part of the Grad Student & Young Professionals group at St. Mary’s. He graduated from the University of Michigan as an industrial engineer in 2012, and has been a part of the St. Mary’s since 2014.
Email: bsbordon89@gmail.com