Why Judge?

In grade school I played hockey. I don’t remember much about my time on the ice, but I do remember the parents who put so much pressure on their children. I remember this one dad always putting his son down for every mistake he made on the ice. The only message this boy heard was “I’m not good enough.”

Unfortunately, we all have moments where we judge someone or someone judges us. Why do we judge others? Why are our expectations of others sometimes totally unreasonable? Why can’t we accept people for who they are?

In our reading today, Jesus talks to the people about judging others. The story that precedes our reading today is when Jesus steps in for the woman who committed adultery. He reminds the people that everyone makes mistakes.

Forgiveness is what empowers us to believe that we are good enough. Some of the best players in the NHL would probably tell you that it was love and support from their parents that gave them the committed attitude to succeed. I hope that this boy with whom I used to play hockey is now experiencing the love that Jesus shows us. Jesus says, “I judge no one.”

Welcoming God, help us see others in the same way that you see us. Amen. — WHB