Monday June 21, 2021 - Twelfth week of Ordinary Time - It is alive, effective, the word of God; she judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 7, 1-5
Again, Jesus addresses his disciples, this time he teaches about relationship with others and warns: "Do not judge". According to Matthew, judgment brings condemnation, so Jesus wants the disciples to be able and to forgive those who have wronged them. In addition, they must be humble and modest so as not to think themselves above others and always remember that being human they are also weak. And here are three arguments which do not allow us to judge:
Judgment belongs to God alone. Despite the knowledge, down to the smallest detail, that he has of us, God grants us his mercy. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins his teaching with forgiveness, love of neighbor and even of enemies. God is the only perfection, so by allowing us to judge we are usurping his majesty.
By the measure with which you measure you will be measured, in other words, he who does not forgive, but allows himself to judge his brother, will not be forgiven. Let us remember the parable of the servant to whom the master forgave his debts, but who in turn refused to forgive his friend's debts. He ends up in prison.
We are all imperfect. By judging others we see ourselves as perfect and righteous. It is presumptuous and proud, which makes us blind and oblivious to our own weaknesses and flaws.
God is love, he knows the least of our weaknesses, but he nevertheless grants us his mercy and shows himself compassionate towards us. This is what he wants us to do to our neighbors as well, taking an example from his perfection.
Glory to you Lord Jesus. You taught us: "Judge not, so as not to be judged. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy". Keep us from the hypocrisy that makes us see the faults of others, but prevents us from seeing our own weaknesses. Give us, Lord, the right gaze that allows us to see your face through others and softens our hearts to love them as you loved them.
