Do you know the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat?
In challenging situations, we can either be like thermometers, just registering what is going on - or we can be like thermostats, doing something to change the situation by implementing the teachings of Jesus. Our human tendency is to simply observe, when we could be changing something by doing what Jesus taught us.
Recently I met a family with a member who wanted to enjoy all the privileges of being part of the family, but refused to take responsibility for making peace within the family. This person saw the problem but was unwilling to do what he had to do, namely, forgive the other. He was willing to be a thermometer, but not a thermostat.
The teachings of Jesus invite us to be thermostats who actively put His teachings into practice—being doers of the word and not hearers only.
Today’s readings: Sin of Partiality and Peter’s Confession About Jesus
