Gospel: John 3: 16-21
"God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him." We might be astounded to hear this statement, given the incessant din of condemnation that comes from every corner of the Christian community. Even the very center of unity, healing, and salvation - the Lord's table - is a continual source of condemnation, exclusion of others, and endless division.
In the Paschal mystery just celebrated, Jesus had every occasion and human reason to condemn others - from his executioners and judges to his own disciples who betrayed, denied, and abandoned him. Yet at every turn Jesus embraces and feeds Judas, forgives his persecutors on the cross, offers peace to his cowardly disciples, and to his denier he merely asks, "Do you love me?" No condemnation, no judgment - just invitations to live in peace and to embrace love.
Whenever the topic of judgment arises, nearly everyone will find a way to avoid Jesus' command not to judge and condemn. Clever loopholes and fine distinctions are discovered, logic textbooks are consulted to craft an argument to justify our behavior. Yet, the example of Jesus stands before us. Instead of justifying our judging, why not extend peace, invite others to love, and find ways to bring healing mercy to the world?
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