As we swiftly approach the bustling of holiday season dinner table, it’s often best to leave discussions about religion and politics for a moment of prayer.
This year has certainly been one where many public figures and events have faced mayhem of rapid judgment and condemnation.
Recently, it was reported that President Trump expressed uncertainty about his chances of reaching heaven when asked by reporters. We live in a culture that seems to relish in the misfortunes and condemnation of others.
There are countless secular and spiritual sayings that encourage us to refrain from slandering one another. One that comes to mind is the saying, "Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones." This sentiment aligns beautifully with the teachings of Jesus. In John 8:7, He challenges the crowd by saying, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her," in response to a woman caught in adultery. Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing that only someone completely without sin has the right to condemn others, prompting the crowd to reflect on their own flaws.
Last week we heard about the passing of KISS guitarist Ace Frehley.
Growing up in New York during the late 1970s and early 1980s, I witnessed pop culture becoming mainstream. It was common to see celebrities mingling among everyday folks. Photos of Connie Chung, Maury Povich, and even KISS guitarist Ace Frehley adorned the walls of our local Chinese restaurant. This was a time when tabloid journalism knew some boundaries.
My school bus would pass by Ace Frehley’s home, often filled with an eclectic mix of muscle cars. While I never had the chance to meet him, I appreciated his unique taste in vehicles. I had no desire to attack his character; after all, the height of KISS’s fame had come and gone. Although some articles in the press portrayed KISS as decadent, there was still a line of decency in understanding the difference between their public personas and the real people living everyday lives.
Even though there’s a ever present secular vibe out there, it looks like this year America is on a quest to rediscover Jesus. Many people across the country have really connected with the television series *The Chosen*. The producer, Dallas Jenkins, has a remarkable talent for capturing the human struggles that were present during Jesus’ time, which resonate surprisingly well with our experiences today. Salvation and heaven are indeed the gift of grace and mercy from Jesus abundantly for all.
Prior to this series, he also created a short film titled *The Two Thieves*. Please take a moment to watch the video as it clearly exemplifies Jesus mercy and response to evil.
As a closing thought, the phrase "pulling the plank from your own eye" comes from Jesus’s teachings in Matthew 7:3–5 and Luke 6:41–42. It reminds us to address our own significant flaws before attempting to correct others. As we gather around the holiday dinner table, let’s take a moment to pray. We must focus on removing the plank from our own eye. Praying for one another—be it Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, or Ace Frehley—is a calling we all share, whether it be a thief of some one with celebrity status.
