JUDGING IS GOD'S BUSINESS

Judging is GOD’S Business

 

 

“The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.” – Mark 4:24

 

When we see a person having tantrums or going nuts, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and say that the person has a bad attitude. But we don’t really know what that person went through to make him or her act that way. For all we know, he or she just had a horrible and painful experience.

The command of God regarding judging others is very clear. Remember that He alone knows the motives of one’s heart. Let us always leave room for understanding and give others the benefit of the doubt when they act in an irrational or irritating way. We always have a choice: to focus on the good side of things or the not-so-good. Let’s make it a habit to always look for the bright side because “all things work for good for those who love God.” Jess Santos (jesus_santos_07@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

What do you focus on most of the time: the good or the not-so-good? Your honest answer will be your first step to a stress-free life.

 

Dear God, teach me to see things the way You want me to see them. Grant me the grace of humility to admit that I have to change my perspective for Your glory, in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

 

 

THE AMOUNT YOU MEASURE OUT

 

I think the texts in the Gospels where Jesus challenges us the most are those where He reminds us of the eternal consequences of our individual choices. The amount we measure out is the amount we will be given is a case in point. I think any Christian who does not seriously consider and reflect upon this saying of Jesus is extremely short-sighted. It is a text that reminds both the importance of generosity (who could outdo God in generosity) and also the eternal natureof our moral choices.

The Catholic Church teaches us that we have a hand in creating our own character. We can thus know a person from the choices they make. So it is essential that we consider this when we make choices in our lives. If I choose to be stingy with my wealth when others appeal to me for help, how will God be generous with me when I ask Him for the gift of salvation and the forgiveness of my sins? I am not saying that we can control God through our choices, but through the way we relate with others.

Jesus’ authority and witness is made manifest to us through the choices He makes during His life. It is here that we have an example of what it means to give our lives in the service of others; in putting the needs of others before our own needs and desires. The promise of the Scriptures is that God will always be sufficient for us. The question we have to ask of ourselves is, “Do we believe this to be true?” and if we do, “Are we willing to stake our lives on this truth?” Our answer will as likely or not determine the depth of our discipleship and our value as witnesses to the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Jesus calls us to be generous in giving our lives in the service of the Gospel. He will not force anything on us, though He can make life pretty uncomfortable at times, until He gets His way. If we know His will, the simplest response is to be obedient to it. This will save us a lot of heartbreak and struggle.Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

Am I truly aware of the consequences of my individual actions and how they can have a bearing on my eternal destiny?

 

Jesus, help me to make good choices in life; choices that will lay the foundation of a life lived for You and for Your Kingdom and not something selfish that I lose the gift of eternal life in the process.

 

St. Cannera, pray for us.