Gospel: Matthew 7: 1-5
Those zealous for obeying God's commands find it easy to obey God when it comes to committing genocide or the prospect of killing one's own child, yet will create endless loopholes in the commands Jesus gives in the Sermon on the Mount. As we have seen throughout the sermon, the values of Jesus are at odds with those of the modern Christian who then retreats to the Old Law and the comfort they find in the endless violence therein.
The command here not to judge is rooted in the Beatitudes of meekness, mercy, and the empathy of mourning with and for others. The meek is so because they are conscious of their sins, ever seeking to place oneself in a more humble position as a result. They are empathetic with others, mourning with them, understanding the weakness and frailty of others. This enables them to show mercy toward others, avoiding judgment and offering deeds of mercy instead.
The Way of Jesus is indeed a challenge, but instead of retreating to the old ways of the endless cycles of vengeance and violence, let us instead support one another on this way of the Lord through deeds of mercy and loving kindness. Instead of judging one another for falling short, let us invite each other to the Lord's table for nourishment of body and soul. This is what the Lord Jesus himself did while on earth, eating with everyone and encouraging them along the way to the kingdom of God.
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