Presume Good Will

There’s a fine line between being childlike and being childish. In today’s Gospel, the disciples are being childish. Rather than scolding them for their behavior, Jesus recognizes “the intention of their hearts,“ and gently redirects them to be more childlike. Still not picking up on what Jesus is laying down, John recounts the disciples’ rebuke of the exorcist who didn’t “follow in their company.” And again, Jesus provides correction with all love and kindness, essentially telling the disciples not to judge others’ motives. Ignatian spirituality calls this the “presupposition;” the idea that while Jesus knows a person’s heart and true intentions, we are not Jesus, and as such, we should be “more eager to put a good interpretation” on another’s speech or actions rather than to condemn them. Furthermore, if we cannot provide a favorable interpretation, we should seek clarification, and “correct the person with love.” 

When have you presumed ill intent or judged the motives of others? Today, ask God for the grace to be more childlike than childish, to presuppose goodwill rather than judge the motives of others.

—Jackie Schulte is the Dean of Faculty Formation at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska. 

 

 

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