Taking offense at others, disparaging them happens when we do not understand who they are, see their gifts or their inner goodness. Even Jesus was subject to such ill-informed scrutiny. When he preached in the synagogue in his native place, he was looked down upon as a carpenter, an ordinary villager, and the people "took offense at him." (Mk 6:3) Ouch... Little did they know they were turning their noses up at the Son of God!
St. Brigid of Kildare, whose parents were baptized by St. Patrick, yet because her mother was the slave of her father, she was looked down upon, despite her loving, generous heart. At one point, her father was about to beat her, but a nobleman interceded for us. When her father freed her, she went on to found several monasteries. become one of Ireland's greatest leaders and evangelizers, and is considered the co-patron of Ireland long with St. Patrick.
Who are we to look down upon minorities, or people with "special needs", handicaps, or different beliefs? They too bear the spark of God within and could be, if given a welcoming chance, an outstanding leader or saint!
Bro. Rene
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