https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061324.cfm
Be Wary of Judgment?
Assumptions can mess up a relationship. Assumptions are thoughts we have about someone or something and we convince ourselves. They are true. Unfortunately, when we make assumptions, we don’t check them out.
Say I am driving down the road, and someone cuts me off. I must swerve to avoid an accident. A knee-jerk reaction is anger, “What in the world is that person thinking?” And then comes a burst of emotion that distracts me from my driving.
It’s pretty much what the scribes and Pharisees did when Jesus said that our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus uses the example of killing a person quoting the Law, “You shall not kill, and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.” Then he adds, “But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
Jesus is pointing out the difference between a literal interpretation of the Law and the spirit of the Law. Anyone can follow the literal interpretation of the Law and think, “Well, I haven’t killed anyone.” We can become very delighted with ourselves, following the literal interpretation of the Law. Jesus calls this self-righteousness.
The spirit of the Law challenges us to reflect on our interior sentiments. Sure, we have not killed anyone, but the spirit of the Law compels us not to be angry with anyone, or we will be liable to judgment. Judgment is all the negative feelings and the distance it puts between another person and us.
Gospel Challenge:
If we have any distance between ourselves because of anger or any negative emotion, go to our Savior Jesus, and let us humble ourselves in the presence of His Divine Mercy. Here Jesus says to you, Father, “Forgive him/her; they know not what they are doing.”
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
