Judging
Before you begin: Please read the Introduction — How to Practice the Gospel Exercises
Reflection on (Mt 7:1–2, Mt 7:3, Mk 9:39–40, Lk 6:41–42)
Prayer
Holy Spirit, teach me to look at my brothers and sisters with Your gaze. Give me the humility to see my own weaknesses first, and a heart capable of mercy. Protect me from pride and show me the path of love.
Amen.
Reflection
Judging others is one of the easiest—and at the same time most dangerous—temptations. Often we don’t even realize how quickly, in our thoughts or with our words, we become judges of other people’s behavior, attitudes, or faith. But Jesus warns us clearly: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” (Mt 7:1)
The Measure We Use
In Mt 7:1–2 Jesus reveals a serious law of the Kingdom: the way we judge will return to us. If our standard is strict and harsh, we prepare the same measure for ourselves. But if our measure is merciful, we open our hearts to receive mercy too.
The Plank and the Speck
The image of the plank and the speck (Mt 7:3; Lk 6:41–42) is painfully accurate. We easily notice what is wrong in others while we ignore our own faults. Jesus calls this hypocrisy—not because we should never recognize evil, but because we refuse to begin with ourselves. True help for a brother cannot grow out of superiority, but only out of humility.
A Wide Heart and the Eyes of Faith
In Mk 9:39–40 Jesus corrects His disciples: not everyone who does not act according to their expectations is against Him. Even someone who serves differently may belong to Christ. This is a call to a wider heart—and to vigilance—so that we do not limit God’s work by our own boundaries.
Mercy Instead of Taking God’s Place
To judge is more than to express an opinion—it is to step into the place of a judge, which belongs to God alone. Even when we think we see guilt, our task is not to accuse, but to bring mercy, kindness, and help. Spiritual growth begins not when we point out others’ faults, but when we admit our own. And whoever is honest with themselves will become gentle with others.
Discernment
Let us reflect: Where in my life do I easily fall into the temptation to judge others? Are there areas where I notice the weaknesses of my brothers and sisters more than my own? Do I see specks in others’ eyes while overlooking planks in mine?
Let us recall concrete situations when we took on the role of judge—in the family, at work, in the parish, or in relationships. What ruled my heart then: love or pride?
In prayer, let us surrender to Jesus the desire to evaluate and condemn others. Let us ask for a pure heart that first recognizes its own weakness and from it learns mercy for others. May my goal be not to accuse, but to encourage; not to humiliate, but to lift up.
Resolution
In the coming week, I will deliberately notice the moments when I judge others too quickly. Instead of hasty thoughts or words, I will pause and ask:
“What is in my heart? Am I not also similar in some way?”
Then I will choose a merciful gaze and look for the good in the person before me.
Prayer
Our Father…