Gospel: Matthew 7: 1-7
If we consider the teaching of Jesus on judging others in the light of the Beatitudes, this command makes perfect sense. A person who seeks to be poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and a peacemaker would not even remotely consider judging another person; such an action would be unthinkable. The Beatitudes teach us that judgment belongs to God alone.
To be a person who is poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and a peacemaker is to see oneself as the one in need of mercy each day. This posture then requires the person of the Beatitudes to show mercy to others, not to judge others. Jesus came not to condemn the world, and it is highly doubtful that we have been given that responsibility in the universe. Jesus came to offer mercy to the world, and as disciples it is our task to do likewise.
If we make the Beatitudes our primary principles of formation instead of the commandments we will find ourselves to be more merciful and loving toward others. We will find the mere idea of judging another person to be utterly contrary to the life and example of Jesus, our only model and guide as disciples.
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