too busy to judge?
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Pardon, and you shall be pardoned. Give, and it shall be given to you.” —Luke 6:37-38
The Lord commands us not to judge or condemn others. However, we should recognize sins and follow the directions of the Lord so sinners might have the chance to be free of sin and its harmful consequences (Mt 18:15-17). Then we should leave the judging and sentencing up to God.
We are called to warn, intercede for, teach, prophesy to, and serve sinners. Jesus invites us to remove the specks from others’ eyes — to call them to repent after we let others help us to repent (Lk 6:42). We are ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). If we minister well, the Lord won’t have much condemning to do; then He will judge us and other sinners ready for eternal happiness with Him.
Not judging or condemning does not mean being passive, doing nothing, or being permissive. Rather, we must bring back those straying from the Truth (Jas 5:19-20).
Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace to oppose sin and love sinners.
Promise: “Lord, great and awesome God, You...keep Your merciful covenant toward those who love You and observe Your commandments!” —Dn 9:4
Praise: After having an abortion, Sarah felt heavily laden with guilt. Confessing her sin, she received God’s forgiveness and healing.
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.