Can we go a day reserving our judgement of others? Can we stop criticising them in our thoughts, in our minds or in our words? Yet we want to be above criticism, beyond reproach! Heaven forbid if we are judged poorly! We would never allow ourselves to be the brunt of gossip but gossiping about anyone else is harmless banter for us. In today’s readings, we hear the repercussions that will take place if we do not repent of our ways.
If we engage in any of the actions above then our hearts are far from the Lord our God. For if we are dwelling each day in His love, Word and Will for us then our hearts will be at peace. We will love without judgement and freely without reservation. For it is our hearts desire that for each and everyday, we love mercy, act justly as we walk humbly with Lord our God.
Lord Jesus come dwell in my heart, let me be One with You always. Amen
First reading
Romans 2:1-11 ·
Do you think you will escape God’s judgement?
No matter who you are, if you pass judgement you have no excuse. In judging others you condemn yourself, since you behave no differently from those you judge. We know that God condemns that sort of behaviour impartially: and when you judge those who behave like this while you are doing exactly the same, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or are you abusing his abundant goodness, patience and toleration, not realising that this goodness of God is meant to lead you to repentance? Your stubborn refusal to repent is only adding to the anger God will have towards you on that day of anger when his just judgements will be made known. He will repay each one as his works deserve. For those who sought renown and honour and immortality by always doing good there will be eternal life; for the unsubmissive who refused to take truth for their guide and took depravity instead, there will be anger and fury. Pain and suffering will come to every human being who employs himself in evil – Jews first, but Greeks as well; renown, honour and peace will come to everyone who does good – Jews first, but Greeks as well. God has no favourites.
Gospel
Luke 11:42-46
You overlook justice and the love of God
The Lord said to the Pharisees: ‘Alas for you Pharisees! You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without leaving the others undone. Alas for you Pharisees who like taking the seats of honour in the synagogues and being greeted obsequiously in the market squares! Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that men walk on without knowing it!
A lawyer then spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘when you speak like this you insult us too.’
‘Alas for you lawyers also,’ he replied ‘because you load on men burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not move a finger to lift.’
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