Scripture:
Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62
John 8:1-11
Reflection:
Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.
John 8:7
Stone-throwing is so very common, and aren’t we all guilty? We may not throw physical stones, but the ones we throw may be just as hurtful. It’s so easy to judge others. Like the brother-in-law who is an alcoholic, or the school teacher who is having an affair, or the priest who seems harsh and unhappy and makes everyone feel unwelcome at church.
Rather than judging and gossiping about them, let’s at least pray for them, or even better, let’s ask the Lord to show us how to love them. Judgement doesn’t change anyone’s life, but love does.
I was praying one time at an abortion clinic and was probably having some judgmental thoughts about the “escort” who was working the door that day. His job was to keep the pro-life people from talking to his clients. As I prayed, the Lord reminded me that we are all His children and that He died for that man and loves him as much as He loves me. So here was a “brother” that I needed to love and pray for. It was cold that day, so I shared my gloves with him and prayed that his eyes would be opened one day to the truth of abortion.
Scripture tells us that “we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We all need God’s love and mercy and forgiveness and we often experience God’s touch through another person.
God please forgive us when we judge others. Help us to see every person with Your eyes of compassion.
Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].