Monday of 12th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, 2O25 

Reflection by Fr Collins Akhigbe OP 

Scriptural passages 

1st reading Gen.12:1-9. Psalm 32. Gospel Mt. 7:1-5.

Theme: Do Not Judge 

“Jesus said to his disciples, Do not judge, and you will not be judged” (Mt. 7:1). As humans, we are very quick in judging others but slow in judging ourselves. The Lord is simply telling us to leave judgment to God. This is because we are all sinners and in need of God’s mercy. We have no moral authority to judge since we too are sinners through and through (Rom. 3:23). The Lord tells us that we shall be judged according to our judgment of others. The story of the unforgiving servant is very instructive here (Mt. 18:23-34). We are called not to judge others because judgment belongs to God alone. Judging others can lead to pride, hypocrisy, and a lack of compassion, which goes against the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the first reading we are presented with the call of Abram and he obeyed the Lord. The Lord blessed him and prepared him for the mission of being set apart for God. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should not judge and how to overcome the temptation to judge others.

Why We Should Not Judge 

First, it belongs to the office of God to pass judgment because only God can truly judge the heart. The Lord alone knows the heart of man. As humans we see only outward appearances, but God alone sees the heart and motives. The scripture tells us, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). This is why we should not judge others. 

Second, we should not judge because Jesus prohibits harsh Judgment. The Lord warns against judging others, especially when we ourselves are not without fault. “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged…” (Matt. 7:1–2). Since we are fellow sinners, we have no moral authority to judge others.

Third, we should not judge because judging others can be hypocritical. We often judge others for the same faults we have. “Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:3). 

Fourth, we are all sinners in need of mercy. Since we are all in need of God’s mercy, we should extend mercy rather than judgment to others. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone” (John 8:7). 

Fifth, judging others leads to division, not love. Judging breeds resentment and damages relationships, while love builds unity. “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). 

How To Overcome Judging Others 

First, we should begin with self examination.  Before focusing on others’ faults, we should reflect on our own sins and need for God’s mercy. “Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye?” ( Matt. 7:3). We hardly embark on self reflection and self examination. 

Second, we can overcome judging others through the practice of humility. The gift of humility helps us recognize that we are not better than others and that we all depend on God’s grace. “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another… for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). 

Third, we should cultivate a merciful heart. We can overcome judgment by showing mercy and compassion, just as God has shown to us. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged” (Luke 6:36–37). 

Fourth, we can also overcome judging others by praying for them. Prayer softens our hearts and shifts our focus from condemnation to intercession. “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone” (1 Tim. 2:1). 

Fifth, we can also overcome judging others by seeing Christ in them.  Recognizing the image of God in every person helps us treat them with respect and love. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40). 

Sixth, we should practice charity in thought and speech. Love covers faults and resists gossip or slander. “Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honour” (Rom. 12:10). The scripture has this to say, “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). These are some of the means through which we can overcome judging others.

Prayers 

Lord, help us to be patient with one another. Lord, deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity. Lord, give us the gift of humility and simplicity. Lord, deliver us from pride and arrogance. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a joyful day.

With lots of prayers and love.