Do not judge

Probably my favorite chapter of the entire bible (although there are so many!) is Matthew 7… The whole thing. I like it because it has deep wisdom put in a simple form; that is, the secret to happiness spelled out in an almost tangible form. It also shows that Jesus had a little bit of situational humor in verses 3-5, which I think is great to keep in mind while discovering the ever unfolding character of God (forever unchanging, but constantly being revealed to us bit by bit over the ages, lest we be too overwhelmed by it all at once!). However, that is not what I want to do with this blog for now. I would like to take it a little slower, and focus on just a few verses at a time. So let me begin with Mt 7: 1-2.

1 “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.

This is not a difficult verse to understand, as it coincides with the golden rule most people of all faiths are taught as children, paraphrased “do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

When thinking about it further and keeping in mind that it was Jesus saying it, gives us deeper insight in how we should live our lives. Do not judge unless you are prepared to be judged by the same measure. However, keep in mind before you make any judgement whatsoever Rm 3:23:

23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God

 In that way, only God is the true judge of humanity, who humbled himself, who is all knowing, all powerful, and omnipresent, taking on human form so that he may lead his sheep like a Good Shepherd back into his fold. This humility that God displayed for love of us is why Catholics bow during the recitation of the Nicene Creed at Mass when we say

By the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

It is deeply comforting, insightful, and humbling to know that God does not take any shortcuts with us either. He does not expect us to do anything without first doing it himself. God is the perfect judge, because he was the perfect man first. Without his example, we would not be able to fully experience or understand the Paschal mystery, which is the difficult suffering, agonizing death, and glorious resurrection.

So let us not judge others, lest we be judged by the same measure. This does not mean we shouldn’t let our brothers or sisters know when they are sinning. However keep in mind the following bible verses from Paul’s letter to the Galatians (Gal 5:22-26) while doing it,

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

And remember, when you point your finger at somebody, there are always three fingers pointing back at you.

May God bless you and keep you always, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Daniel Anthony

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