Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Recently I had the opportunity to watch daytime TV programming. As I sat several hours waiting for my car to be repaired, I was amazed to see the number of court room shows (Judge Judy etc.) that were on during the day. I had to wonder what was the fascination that so many people would spend hours watching these shows. As I reflected more, I realized that many people (including myself) have a tendency to believe that what we think is right, and therefore we feel justified in placing judgment on others and their choices. I think that this sense of righteousness stems from a sense of pride and leads to an unhealthy desire for power. Today’s readings give us helpful insights on why only God should be the judge.
In the gospel reading, Jesus tells us, “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged. (Matthew 7:1) Jesus recognizes our human nature, and our tendency to ignore our own faults and focus on the flaws of others. “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam is in your eye?” (Matthew 7:3) So who has the authority to judge? Only one who has perfect wisdom and bases decisions on love and justice- there is only one who can act in such a way- God. Since God knows us and our inner workings, and His love for us is the overriding reason for all that He does, His judgments are always right and just.
In the first reading from the second book of Kings we learn about the judgment of God when the Israelites are conquered by the Assyrians and sent into exile. “This came about because the children of Israel sinned against the Lord, their God.” (2 Kings 17:7) Despite God’s love and care for them when he “brought them up from the land of Egypt” they chose to “venerate other gods.” God even gives them several chances to change their ways by sending the prophets who warn them “give up your evil ways and keep my commandments, and statues in accordance with the entire law which I enjoined on your fathers.” (2 Kings 17:13) But because the Israelites were a “stiff necked people” they rejected the Lord and His statutes, and God in “his anger against Israel put them out of his sight.” (2 Kings 17:18) Although this may appear as a harsh punishment, God’s decision was still based on His mercy and justice. In His love for His people, He provided many opportunities for them to return to the covenant, but it was by their own choosing that they separated themselves from God and His law. You can almost sense the frustration and grief that God expresses through His prophets as He calls the Israelites to return to Him. God remains committed and just in all of His ways. It is the people of Israel who turn away and seek other truths and because of their betrayal they no longer remain in God’s sight.
There is so much that we can learn from these readings. First of all, Jesus calls us to not be judgmental. We are reminded to recognize our sinfulness and in humility restrain ourselves from placing judgments on others. There may be times when a decision or judgment is necessary. How can we best address this challenge? If we recognize that God alone is the only true just and loving judge, we must align ourselves with Him whenever we need to make decisions. By seeking His wisdom and truth through prayer and scripture, we can have a better understanding of what is His truth. We must also seek His love to be the basis for any and all decisions that we make. Jesus promises that “the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” (Matthew 7:2) If we seek to make decisions based on the mercy and love that God shows to us, then we will be given the same mercy and love in return.
Heavenly Father, you are God of all creation and the only one true judge of the entire universe. Despite our sinful nature, You did not condemn us, but responded in love by sending Jesus to reconcile us back to You. We ask that you will send down your Spirit of truth and love, so that we may be able to live in such a way that all we think, say and do flows from a merciful and loving heart. May we seek not to judge according to our ways, but always look at others as You look at us- with great love, compassion, and forgiveness. We pray this through Christ, Our Lord. AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline