Projections

Genesis 12:1-9
Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20, 22
Matthew 7:1-5

“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?” - Matthew 7:3

“Projection, your honor!”

My friend, who works as a facilitator for psycho-spiritual seminars, humorously and teasingly drops this statement whenever he catches other friends venting about other people. You see, projection is one of those things we unconsciously do when we criticize those around us. Not in every instance, of course, but many times we “project” so many of our own insecurities on other people. At some level, what we don’t like about other people are what we don’t like about ourselves.

My friend calls perpetuating this kind of negativity as doing the “ABCs” - accusing, blaming and criticizing. These are common and easy scapegoats for the things that go wrong with our lives. It’s always easier to blame external circumstances than it is to realize that our lives are essentially the products of our choices. We point fingers at the traffic, the government, our bosses, our parents, our co-workers, the dog, the list goes on and on… It’s always something or somebody else’s fault, and therefore somebody else’s responsibility. Let us remember that responsibility for one’s actions is a mark of a true Christian. Cotics C.

Reflection: Have you been doing the ABCs? Your life is a product of your choice. Choose well!

Lord, help me know myself. Help me discover You by finding myself.

Sy. William of Monte Vergine, abbot confessor, pray for us.