20 June, Monday — Do not judge

Monday of Week 12 in Ordinary Time

2 Kgs 17:5-8,13-15,18
Mt 7:1-5

“Take the log out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.”

This is a passage that many of us usually struggle with. Even as I was praying with the scriptures, my heart was already telling me that some people in my life should be reading this passage for they are not aware of their failings.

I try my very best to always be as aware as possible, because it is never my intention to cause anyone any hurt or harm. But yet, it is usually during my reflection after an event that makes me realise the areas I did wrongly. I want the best for others, I want them to experience Christ, yet sometimes all that excitement and passion leads to me being impatient, resulting in frustration, disappointment and hurt, whether with myself or others. I am a perfectionist and most of the time, when I feel I can do better, I’ll try to get myself involved so that hopefully, I can help others be more aware.

But the real question is how aware am I actually? I don’t think it’s a lot to do with judging but more how much do we love the other? Do we love the other such that we will bring them up versus put them down, be patient and understanding with them versus force upon them compliance, encourage versus criticise?

I guess to a large extent, it is also about our pride. That I can’t have others being better than me, thus I need to put people down so that I may be above. I feel I am able to manage my pride, but what still frustrates me is when someone obviously cannot make it, but doesn’t feel that anything is wrong. And in order that I may not be like one towards others, I always remember to ask for feedback and constructive criticism in order that I may be aware of the log in my eye and hopefully be able to remove it.

I guess the challenge really is to see Christ in others. To look with love. There will always be logs and splinters, but I believe there will also always be love. Where there is love, there is God.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Benjamin Mao)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that we will see not with the eyes of judgment but that of love. That we may always look to you, from your example, where you say “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”. And where you still gave your life for us. Help us to continue to love as you did. Help us to be like you.

Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for your wisdom and for the challenges in our lives. Thank you for always providing us with that second chance. Thank you for not judging us. Thank you for loving us always.