“We are all inclined to judge ourselves by our ideals; others by their acts.”

A man does not mind being blamed for his faults, and being punished for them, and he patiently suffers much for the sake of them; but he becomes impatient if he is required to give them up. - JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE: (1749 – 1832: was a German writer and statesman)

Gospel Text: (MT 7:1-5)

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Stop judging, that you may not be judged.

For as you judge, so will you be judged,

and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.

Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye,

but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?

How can you say to your brother,

'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,'

while the wooden beam is in your eye?

You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first;

then you will see clearly

to remove the splinter from your brother's eye."

All of us somehow pass judgments on others, whether verbalized or simply in our minds. We are fond of comparing people with ourselves and with others.

In the Gospel reading Jesus tells us not to make judgments on others; and, if we do, to be ready to be judged in the same measure we judge others.

As a matter of right only God may judge other people. In God's greatness and goodness, He forgives if we ask for His forgiveness, rather than judges.

In the Gospel story about the woman caught in adultery, the Jewish leaders wanted to see what Jesus would do.  Rather than judge and punish her, Jesus wisely says, "Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one the accusers went away, starting with the elders. (Jn 8:1- 11)

It takes personal good will, effort and prayer to avoid making hasty  judgments on others.  Let us look  at the example of Jesus who  inspires  us with  his wisdom and mercy, who shows love and kindness to all.