In what ways have you judged others? Has this been good or bad? What have been its effects? - Daily Reflections June 23,2014

RIGHT JUDGMENT

 

Judgment is a common weakness among many of us. We easily fall into this sin. Judgment can be tricky since there are two kinds that call us to attention. Judgment is a gift of the Holy Spirit — to judge right from wrong is the fruit of good counsel. We are to offer judgment and act wisely in its consequences.

       The Young Christian Workers is a movement that follows the principle of “see, judge and act.” Members are found in school, parish and work communities and seek to bring Christ to every situation and circumstance. In this case, judgment is good since it calls forth a right action and good work. In this way, the gift of judgment is exercised.

       However, there is another judgment that is condemnatory and that is what Jesus is referring to in our Gospel today. It is when we criticize or destroy the reputation of another through our false judgment of character. We need to be very careful in the way we act towards others. Oftentimes, the very thing we judge others for is the very thing we try to cover in our life.

       St. Bernard of Clairvaux teaches us to avoid judgment at all costs. He teaches the way of excusing the other so as not to fall into the sin of judgment. After all, Jesus is the Judge. Who are we to take that role from Him? Are we any better than Him when it comes to judging others? St. Bernard then would tell us to give reason for the other person having acted in a particular way. Perhaps the temptation was hard to resist so he acted in the way that evoked our judgment. Perhaps the person was struggling with his weakness. Often the judgment we make comes from our own perception and we are not willing to listen to the other side of the story. We basically lack compassion.

       Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to give us the spirit of right judgment that would prompt and inspire us to do well. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: In what ways have you judged others? Has this been good or bad? What have been its effects?

 

Lord, give us the spirit of right judgment to discern right from wrong, to avoid evil, and to do good. Amen.