Reflection
The smaller our world view the more closed we are to the differences among us. Maturity teaches us that we are not the standard of perfection by which others are to be judged. Interaction with others outside our circle of family and friends opens us to all that others can offer us by way of enrichment and practice. We begin to see the world with a different perspective. As adults, we begin to understand our responsibility not to warp the minds of children who are born innocent and free of hate. Perhaps, we begin to create a life in which “Love your neighbor” is not just an idealistic axiom.
Prayer
Help me, O God, not to foster prejudices in myself or others.
Action
Before making sweeping judgments about others, try to assess the validity of what is being said. Do not engage in demeaning remarks for whole groups of people. Refuse to engage in gossip.
Suggested Reading
Philip found Nathanael and told him,
“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law,
and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
But Nathanael said to him,
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Jn 1:45-51
Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep us apart.
Countess of Blessington
Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom
Merry Browne
Judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances
Wayne W. Dyer
If you judge people you have no time to love them.
Mother Teresa
O Lord, help me not to despise or oppose what I do not understand.
William Penn
The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.
To Kill a Mockingbird
I’m interested in the fact that the less secure a man is, the more likely he is to have extreme prejudice.
Clint Eastwood
Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.
E. B. White
It is no coincidence that the growth of modern tyrants has in every case been heralded by the growth of prejudice.
Henry A. Wallace