I Did Not See

Today I passed a driver with car trouble and said to myself

“He’ll be fine; there are many others who can help”

And so I drove on without further caring

Anxious to continue on my way

Today I heard a co-worker coughing

And generally looking quite ill

But I was in a hurry; too busy to even say hello

There was no time to say “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well”

Today I pulled out ahead of others in traffic very fast

To get to the intersection before the oncoming traffic

Not letting anyone else in before I could cross

My time pressures were more important than theirs

Today I jumped into giving a response

Before fully listening to what the other person did say

Quickly judging whether they were right or wrong

I felt that I had a better idea and a better way

Today I complained about my aches and pains

To whoever asked how I was doing

Without asking about theirs or even caring

Never considering that have others had illnesses too

Today I planned a response to a coworker

Pointing out the faults in others’ decisions

Making myself look good at their expense

Not considering that I also have many faults

That evening I looked in the mirror and said to myself

“This was a very good day for me

Everything certainly went my way”

And thought that night,

“I’m too tired and have no pressing reason to pray”

Then I saw my bedroom crucifix casting its long shadow on my bed

And in that instant shuddered as I saw His incredible gift

For all of us as His children who are all loved equally

I felt like my soul was in the wide open for all to see

And felt a deep guilt remembering that He took the time

To give the full depth and breadth of His love for me

To express the depth and breadth of His longing for me

Thus exposing the depth and breadth of my selfishness

In the reflection of the depth and breadth of His selflessness

Begging His forgiveness for my lack of love

I resolved starting tomorrow to change

And to love others where they are

As He has taught us to love

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