Crises Management
(Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time---B)

Rejection and unfair criticisms are not uncommon. The Scripture readings for the fourteenth Sunday in ordinary time deal with this social sin. During his commissioning Ezekiel was warned that his message would be rejected by people. The gospel reading also describes a situation where Jesus faces opposition, rejection and humiliation from his own people. Like Jesus and Ezekiel, we too may have stories of rejection to share.

It is impossible to eliminate oppositions and prejudices as long as people differ in ideologies and perceptions. Therefore the challenge is how to approach people who always oppose us and put trouble on our way? How do we handle them without losing our peace? The Gospel reading this Sunday has an answer to this question. When Jesus was outrageously criticized and humiliated by racial comments, instead of being carried away by their attitude and observations, instead of getting frustrated and impatient by their inhuman behavior, Jesus approached that crisis situation in a very gentle and professional way. Jesus did 4 things:

1. Jesus put things in its proper context/ situation: Before reacting to their criticism, Jesus analyzed the psychology and the nature of the people. Jesus discovered that they did the same to other prophets too. So this was nothing new. Jesus realized that being this was the nature of the people; he could not expect anything better from them. The same way, when people criticize us or pass negative comments about us, wait a minute and ask: who are these people? What is their background? Are they mature? If they are mature people, listen to what they are saying otherwise ignore them.

2. Jesus waited with patience for a favorable time: When Jesus realized that they were stubborn and prejudiced, he did not try to convert them by argument or by force. Jesus gave them time to reflect. Argument will not do any good. Give them time to realize their folly.

3. Jesus did not take it as personal. Jesus did not take their criticism as personal. Criticism can be self destructive if we allow them to touch our ego. In that case, we become self defensive and over reactive. In this context St. Paul’s experience is educative. He said’ “When I am weak, then I am strong. Power is made perfect in weakness. God’s grace is enough for me.” Our moments of failure can be turning points in our lives that eventually lead us to greatness

4. Refocuses his attention: Jesus did not change his teaching because of their rejection of his teaching rather he changed the audience. Jesus moved to another place where they were willing to listen. When we are faced with rejection and humiliation, instead of wasting our energy justifying our position, go to the people who understand and appreciate us.

If we can apply this methodology of Jesus in our crisis situation, that will give us hope and peace।

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One minute wisdom
A little black boy was watching the balloon man at the country fair. He was trying to get the attention of a crowd of young customers. The balloon man allowed a red balloon to break loose and soar high up in the air. Then he released a blue balloon, then a white one and a yellow one. They all went soaring up into the sky until they disappeared. The little black boy stood looking at the black balloon for a long time, then asked, “Sir, if you send the black one up would it go as high as the others?” The balloon man gave the kid an understanding smile. He snapped the string that held the black balloon in place and, as it soared upwards, said, “ It is not the color, son. It is what’s inside that makes it rise.” (Anthony De Mello)
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