Reflection for June 22 Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 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.”

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Why is it often easy for us to judge others? Perhaps it is because we sometimes see ourselves as better than those we judge. Pride, arrogance, and a sense of superiority can quietly find their way into our hearts, causing us to look down on others instead of looking at them with compassion. If we truly recognized our own weaknesses and need for God's mercy, we would be less inclined to judge and more willing to understand.

In our Gospel today, Jesus clearly calls us to stop judging others. This teaching may be difficult for those who allow pride to rule their hearts, but it becomes easier for those who strive to be humble, docile, and open to God's grace. Humility enables us to see ourselves as we truly are—sinners in need of God's love and forgiveness.

It is always tempting to be judgmental, especially when someone has clearly made mistakes or fallen into sin. Yet what do we gain from judging others? Nothing, except a greater attachment to our pride and ego. Judgment wounds, discourages, and pushes people away. Instead of condemning, why not offer gentle guidance? Why not speak words that heal, encourage, and inspire hope? A compassionate heart can accomplish far more than a critical spirit ever could.

Whenever we see someone struggling with sin, let us remember that we, too, are sinners. We all fall short of God's glory and stand in constant need of His mercy. When we acknowledge our own imperfections, we become less eager to condemn and more willing to extend understanding, patience, and forgiveness.

We can bring others closer to Jesus only when we reflect His heart. When we choose compassion over criticism, forgiveness over condemnation, and love over judgment, we become instruments of God's grace. Jesus continually reached out to sinners, not to condemn them, but to heal, forgive, and lead them back to the Father. If our Lord treated sinners with such mercy, should we not do the same?

Many people struggle to rise above their sinfulness because they have not encountered enough compassion, understanding, and genuine Christian love. As followers of Christ, we are called not to be judges but witnesses of His mercy. Through our kindness, patience, and forgiveness, we can help others experience the transforming love of God.

Let us ask ourselves: Are our words and actions drawing people closer to Jesus or pushing them farther away? When others encounter us, do they experience judgment and condemnation, or do they encounter the compassion, forgiveness, and love of Christ living within us?– Marino J. Dasmarinas