Gospel Reading: Mt 7:1-5
Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”
Reflection The measure with which you measure
Jesus teaches us to avoid passing judgment on others. Judgment here is to be understood as painting a bad picture on the other person, saying bad words and nasty comments, not making any positive remarks, not giving the other the benefit of the doubt. The other is all wrong; I am all right.
It is a very cheap way to demolish the reputation of others and to advance one’s own personal interest. Judging violates the rule of charity or the universal Golden Rule.
We do not have to be Christians to avoid giving judgment. Many non-Christians avoid doing so. They act with respect and civility. They know how to handle the perceived defects of others. With a philosophy of life at hand, they easily establish friendship with others and do business with them. They know nobody is perfect.
What is so special when Jesus handles this problem? As disciples of Christ, we are called to build communities. We cannot do this and invite new members if we are judgmental. We consider judging, even only in our minds, also a sin against fraternity. It has terrible consequences in the community.
Jesus warns us if we do not stop treating others like this, the same will happen to us. What we do to others will be done to us.
* * *
There will be more growth in our parishes if we stop passing judgment on our priests, our lay leaders, and fellow parishioners.
* * *
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
