We begin the second leg of our Lenten Journey. We started on the days after Ash Wednesday by setting our Journey up; last week, we had an opportunity to focus on that which is probably the most difficult aspect of "fasting, alms giving and prayer": to love our neighbor concretely. This week we are going to go a bit deeper into our souls making sure that our actions match what's in our hearts.
Today the Gospel brought up an interesting question, "can people really judge me?" and, of course, the reverse is also true: "Can I? Should I judge anyone?"
Where do we start? Jesus gives us the opportunity to focus: "Be merciful, as the Father is merciful." All that we do must be a reflection of what God has done for us and to us. This is, then, the modus operandi, the way we behave: mercifully, lovingly. St Augustine used to say: "Love, and do what you want." And last week we had an opportunity to learn how to do this.
With this in mind, we hear that Jesus tells us "not to judge and not to condemn." It's so difficult to understand these concepts today. Lots of people tell me that they have left the Church because they felt "judged." Yet, does it mean that we are supposed to let people behave as they want because we are not supposed to judge them?
It doesn't seem to be what is going on here. Yes, Jesus said that we are not to judge unless we are going to be judged as well. And Paul, in 1 Cor 5:12, said that we are to judge each other and in Romans 14:13 he said that we are not to judge one another. So, what are we do to: judge or not to judge?
The answer is in the understanding of what "to judge" means. What we are forbidden to do is to "be a judge," that is "to pass on a final sentence on someone." This is what God does. At times, when we judge someone, we place that person in a box. We consider someone "bad" or a "thief" or something else, and we will never look at that person differently. When we behave in this way, we behave as a judge.
On the other way, we are to "judge" each other in the sense of "discerning what one person is doing so that the behavior could be corrected." If we understand that we have the duty to help each other become a saint, than we want to help the other to become aware of some trait or action that may impede him or her to reach the goal - sainthood. It goes without saying that if we are willing to go that way, we must equally willing and ready to hear someone telling us what we have to change in our lives. This kind of "judging" does not put the person in a box and does not pass on a final sentence but becomes an opportunity for both to grow in love, in truth and in holiness.
The difference between the two meanings of "to judge" is to be found in our hearts. If we want to "incarcerate" our neighbor, then our judging is forbidden; if we want to correct and help the other, then this form of judging can help the community to grow.
Then, yes... you can really "judge" me. And as matter of fact, you should. But before you do it take a look at what is in your heart and ask yourself: "Am I being merciful as God is?" Then, Go ahead and help me become a saint.
2 comments:
Amen!!! TY Father!!!
This judging thing is a tricky business. Perhaps it comes down to "being judgmental" is a negative thing and that "having good judgment" is a positive thing. One is born of anger, resentment, or other negatives whereas the other is born of wisdom, love or other positive virtues. I have learned that a heart filled with love is far less judgmental--and is far more forgiving and understanding--than a heart filled with anger. "Helping each other become saints" is a wonderfully positive image as opposed to condemning each other for being sinners.
I think we do have an obligation to stand up against evil, though, too. The problem is that evil is deceptive. It would have us turning on each other. A whole lot of praying for the gifts of the Holy Spirit is always a good idea--to be able to discern that which is good from that which is not, and to be able to discern that which is important from that which is not.
As always, Jesus is a good example to follow. Was he judgmental, or did he show good judgement? The "what would Jesus do?" question is usually a good one to ask.
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