Moving away from insights
Deliberately moving away from insights may be like intentionally avoiding light. We are more prone to trip or fall into traps in times of darkness, but deliberately avoiding light means we relinquish the benefit of the doubt.
Innocent ignorance may be bliss, but deliberate ignore can breed malice.
Mark 7:14-23. All these evils come from within and they defile.
[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-039: FEBRUARY 8, 2023]
Complying with tradition breeds hypocrisy, but imbibing tradition breeds authenticity
When we become so attached to a particular tradition, we can quickly judge others who don’t conform to our views. Moreover, since merely complying with tradition is more convenient, we are prone to hypocritically doing things – losing our spirit and our authenticity.
To imbibe tradition, we must recognize that tradition is not only a source of knowledge and guidance but also a reflection of the accumulated wisdom and identity of those who went before us. We must ask ourselves: what values did those who came before us pass down, and how can we honor them in our lives?
Thus, complying with tradition breeds hypocrisy, but imbibing tradition breeds authenticity.
Mark 7:1-13. How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition!
[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-038: FEBRUARY 7, 2023]
Unexpecting patience, responsible hope
“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.” – Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to Die
We pray petitions and other kinds of devotions, usually in hopes of a particular desire being manifested. But it is a slippery slope where hope can become expectation, and expectation can lead to disappointment and resentment.
Maybe the insight is that our patience should not be expecting and we should manage our hope responsibly. “Responsible hope” may refer to a hope that is well-grounded, realistic, and mindful of the challenges and uncertainties that come with pursuing a goal or an aspiration. Responsible hope is not about blindly expecting but being faithfully optimistic.
Mark 6:53-56. They laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak.
[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-037: FEBRUARY 6, 2023]
A light bulb does not flaunt itself but draws attention to others
A light bulb can be a reminder that our actions can either be like a beam of light shining upon ourselves, seeking recognition and praise, or they can be a gentle glow that illuminates the world around us.
When we flaunt our good deeds, it is like a bright light shining upon us, seeking attention and admiration. But this approach, though it may bring temporary satisfaction, lacks the depth and meaning of authentic kindness. For it is not the light itself that is important, but the way it touches the hearts of others.
On the other hand, when we do good deeds humbly, it is like a light bulb that quietly illuminates the world. It is the small yet powerful gestures of kindness that truly make a lasting impact. It is not the light that is seen but the love and compassion that shines through it.
A selfish light shines so limited . Our light is the brightest when we let others show their radiance and glow.
Matthew 5:13-16. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-036: FEBRUARY 5, 2023]
We must design rest into our work and mission
Even if we are doing purposeful work and mission (or, maybe, all the more because we’re doing purposeful work and mission), it is important to design rest and slack into our activities.
The double-edgedness of meaningful work is that it can push us to stretch ourselves, but it can also burn us out if we are not mindful of our limits.
The best way forward is to build an ecosystem of support composed of trusted teammates and mentors who interdependently support each other.
Mark 6:30-34. …“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat…. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them… and he began to teach them many things.
[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-035: FEBRUARY 4, 2023]
How do we engage each other to grow in wisdom?
The acquisition of any form of insight is highly contingent on one’s internal conditions. The external context could only provide triggers, but it cannot drill insights into our heads.
The challenge of our educational system’s current structure is that it is designed around the mass transfer of knowledge (transferring understanding and skillset is another matter), rather than a playground where learners can experiment and learn by doing. The transfer of knowledge is easier to measure through standardized exams and certifications. However, we cannot manipulate our learner’s “inside conditions” into being prepared to gain new insights. It is harder to predict or measure wisdom than to measure the acquisition of knowledge.
But if educators are to remain faithful to the vocation, such is the dance we must groove with – designing activities that can hopefully trigger transformative insights while balancing the different demands of a scholar-practitioner life. Challenging as it may be, we must carry on, for the music we compose, play, and dance to could be the songs of triumph our students sing as they grow wiser.
Luke 2:22-40. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-033: FEBRUARY 2, 2023]
Snap judgments
Snap judgments are quick assessments of a person, situation, or event based on limited information. While snap judgments can be useful in certain circumstances, they can also lead to errors and perpetuate biases. This is especially problematic when snap judgments are made about someone’s character instead of their behavior or actions.
In fast-paced situations, snap judgments can allow us to make quick decisions without the time and effort of thorough analysis. Additionally, snap judgments can also be useful in assessing the immediate danger of a situation and responding accordingly.
However, snap judgments can often lead to errors and misperceptions due to the limited information on which they are based. People are prone to making snap judgments based on personal biases, stereotypes, and prejudices. This can result in unfair or unjust treatment of others and perpetuate discrimination.
Our continuing challenge is to manage and audit our thoughts and feelings and discern: are we in control of our decisions, or are we slaves to our biases?
Mark 6:1-6. “Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-032: FEBRUARY 1, 2023]