How often do we Judge our neighbour? This could be Judgement for any reason, speaking of our neighbour to others behind their back, or even thinking negative thoughts of them to ourselves. We are each guilty of judging our neighbour, it’s part of our competitive nature as humans. However, do we let this judgement overcome our actions, do we resist the temptation to speak about others? Working in the classroom with children, there’s a common phrase used “M.Y.O.B”, and what does this mean? To mind our own business, to not concern ourselves with what really, is not our concern. This is true to an extent, as we should try to help our neighbour, out of love, to follow the path of God, but when it comes to judgement, we have no right to judge, because we are all at fault.
Today’s Gospel states: ‘For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny’ (Matthew 5:20-26).
What do we hear in this Gospel? We are all subject to judgement, whether we have committed murder, or even thought angry thoughts towards our neighbour. Jesus tells us that that in order to pass the judgement, we must make amends first, even if it is of thoughts, before we can be one with him in heaven. In today’s society, judgement and gossip are hard to avoid, we don’t respond to every situation with love. I know for myself, it is most difficult when someone talks down to me as I’m trying to help them. You almost wish them to fail, for denying your help. However, Jesus tells us to respond with love, in every situation. It doesn’t matter how someone got into a difficult situation, but what truly matter is what you are going to do, to help them out of love. Even if they refuse help, you can always, ALWAYS pray for them. Take time today to reflect on where you have passed judgement and ask God to help you be loving.
Today’s prayer comes from 'Given Life' a prayer to not be judgemental:
Lord, you call us to yourself just as we are. When we accept you, our sins are obliterated. You don’t condemn us, and no one else has that right either. Only you have the right to judge us, and you have freely given your righteousness to us. You are so merciful and generous, Jesus. We have peace, life, freedom, and joy because of you!
Holy Spirit, help us to remember that no one has the right to judge. When someone comes with an accusation, help us to act honorably. We know that we are not condemned, so help us to let any accusation roll off of us. There is no need for us to lose our peace over attempted accusations or condemnation from people who do not have the power to do so. Help us to respond in love.
Father, forgive us for times when we have condemned others and judged them when it was never our place to do so. Help us to make amends and restore relationships. Help us to heal our nations, Lord. Holy Spirit, let your love emanate from our hearts. Let it drip from every word we speak so that the people we speak to are overwhelmed by the sweetness of your love. Thank you, Father. Amen.
