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As You Judge, So Shall You Be Judged

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On finding Jesus Again

'For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.'

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Highlights

By Norm LeDonne Jr
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
2/26/2014 (1 decade ago)

Published in Blog

Keywords: Faith, Forgiveness, Sin, Lord's Prayer, sin, sinner, love, faith, Jesus, brother

LOS ANGELES, CA - My journey to Jesus has taken many twists. I have been forced to rethink many things in my life. The above statement, spoken by Jesus and documented in the Gospel of St. Matthew, was one of those times I realized that I needed to do some thinking. What is Jesus saying here? The next statement in the Gospel further clarifies Jesus' point: "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?"

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I looked at those statements from a different angle, applying them to myself. How many times did I think someone sinned, and cursed them to go to hell for things that I do? Hmm. When someone was rude to me, did I respond with anger, cursing, damning, being rude to them in return? Or did I pray for the person that was rude, and forgive them? When someone didn't respond as quickly to my request as I would like, what do I do? Did I complain about them, and wish evil upon them, or do I show mercy?

When I use the first approach in the above scenarios, I am really wrong. Based on Jesus's own words, my actions, my sins will be judged as harshly as I have judged the sins of others, a pretty scary thought. I know I have been very critical of others, to my shame. I blamed instead of offering forgiveness and prayer. I cursed at them, instead of trying to be understanding. I have a way to go to be holy. But, I work at this every day, praying that I will be able to meet the challenge of Jesus, to be understanding and forgiving of others. How about you?

Pope Francis calls for your 'prayer and action'...

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