Last week, when I was presiding at a prayer service at Westville State Prison, we were discussing how unfair it is that different groups of people are labeled (put down) because of issues that they have faced or struggled with in life.

Prisoners are looked down upon for the mistakes they made, and many of them have a hard time finding employment upon release from prison. They are sometimes considered as “lepers” who cannot be trusted. Many people who meet them assume they are one step away from returning to jail for another crime.

Alcoholics and those with chemical dependency issues are branded for their “disease” and viewed as being one step away from a relapse.

Even people with other medical diseases are sometimes judged for not taking better care of themselves.

As we begin the 2025 New Year, let’s remember that we are all God’s beloved children, even despite our shortcomings. Let us look for Jesus in disguise in the face of everyone we meet, and then let us treat them with the love and compassion that Jesus does.

We are all broken in one way or another, and we are all in need of healing. May God open our eyes to those in need without judgement. May God give each of us this grace.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek