First Reading: Dan 9:4b-10; Psalm: 79. R. v. Ps 103:10a; Gospel: Lk 6:36-38

DO NOT JUDGE

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Our judgement of one another is mostly flawed. This is because no one knows the whole truth about a person. Our opinion or perception of a person based on our personal judgement can suddenly be proven wrong by an action or attitude that disproves our initial opinion of that person. This reality is enough to make us understand that our judgement is imperfect. Even those we judge to be good can surprisingly prove us wrong on several occasions. So since we do not know the whole truth about a person; it is better not to judge at all. Because our judgement may be incorrect.

The reason Jesus warned us about passing of judgement in the gospel reading of today is because we can easily fall into error in judging one another. And because wrong judgement defames the character of a person before we discover the real facts. If what someone thought or said about us happened to be false on a later discovery; it will be impossible to undo the harm that might have caused us. It is said that words are like the wind. No one really takes back what has been said. So it is better not to judge at all than to fall into error.  

However, Jesus is not saying that we should tolerate evil or remain silent when things go wrong. But that we should not judge. There is a difference between calling someone a thief and advising someone to conduct himself/herself well. It is not wrong to correct evil; but it is wrong to condemn someone. None of us is perfect. Bearing this in mind should help us to be guided in our utterances and judgement of people. When we see something wrong; we should correct the wrong and leave the person. In this way, we will be merciful like our Father in heaven who does not condemn us but shows us mercy when we repent.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, help us to merciful and not to judge. Amen.