A soft spot can be described as a kind of extravagant love that sometimes tends towards a fault. We encounter this often, in families, schools, workplaces, and even in the Church.
Pope Francis, in recent years, seemed to show a soft spot for the weak, especially those in irregular unions. His approach generated much debate, much like Jesus’ actions in today’s Gospel (Matthew 9:14–17). Jesus was criticised for allowing his disciples to refrain from fasting during a season of fasting. Rather than deny the accusation, he embraced it and used it to strengthen his disciples, even in their weakness.
In another instance, his disciples plucked and ate ears of grain on the Sabbath, an act considered unlawful (Matthew 12:1–8). Yet Jesus defended them because they were hungry and exhausted. His compassion often outweighed legal rigidity.
However, I have observed that while Jesus publicly stood by his disciples, he did not spare them correction in private. He loved them with a soft spot, but he also formed them with truth and discipline.
In the first reading (Genesis 27), we see Rebekah displaying her soft spot for her younger son, Jacob. Wanting him to receive Isaac’s blessing, she led him into deceit, an act clearly wrong, even if driven by maternal affection.
I, too, have found myself struggling with this emotional trap, especially when settling disputes among my family members. I strive to avoid showing undue partiality, yet sometimes it arises. In such moments, I ask myself: Why am I leaning toward this person? Is it truly just? If I must act, how can I do so in a fair and Godly manner?
I invite us all to reflect on these questions whenever we are tempted to act out of a soft spot. May the Lord help us to be compassionate, yet just, to love as he loves, without compromising truth.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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