Why Act So Surprised?

"We shouldn't be surprised when others commit sin." This quote from a saint I encountered somewhere convicted me lately. I remember how, in conversations, I would sometimes react like I am so surprised that someone could be capable of committing this and that infraction or crime, implying it is something I would never expect because out of character.

Then I am suddenly reminded of what a noted psychologist once said: "All of us, without exception, are capable of anything, anything at all, under the right circumstances." I am humbled by this thought, as I remember the many lows in character that I proved to myself to be capable of, especially in my younger years. If I picture Jesus' handwritings, whether on the wall or on the ground, to remind me of my past sins, as in those pertinent Biblical passages, I won't be able to deny the truth in that psychologist's statement.

This singular statement is now a constant guide for me. It is a sure guard, I realize, against spiritual pride and any sense of moral superiority hiding inside me or I am prone to.

I can now appreciate better the Latin saying, "Nihil humanum, mihi alienum." ("Nothing human is alien to me.") Since I am human, fallen nature and all, I have the capacity in me to understand anything involving humanity, whatever it may be. I can put on a criminal's mind at will -- or a sinner's posture, if you will -- and find some sort of communion there, just because I too am mere human. I can't possibly play pretend. I have it in me to transcend my weaknesses, yes, but that's not the point. I can't even be proud that I am able to do good; in fact, I am only able to do good i so far as I am open to this mysterious force called divine grace. Absent of grace, I am a mixed bag -- perhaps largely good, as consistent with human nature, and definitely, partly hopelessly evil.

With the constant reminder of never underestimating our dark shadow, it is very hard to be judgmental towards other people, and it is impossible to be judgmental without feeling hypocritical.