Sep 13 – Memorial for St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor
John’s (347-407) father died when he was young, and he was raised by a very pious mother. It was for his sermons that John earned the title ‘Chrysostom’ (golden-mouthed). They were always on point, they explained the scriptures with clarity, and they sometimes went on for hours.
As bishop, he criticised the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage, and encouraged practices of justice and charity. St. John’s sermons caused nobles and bishops to work to remove him from his diocese; twice, he was exiled from his diocese. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 451.
- Patron Saint Index
1 Cor 9:16-19,22-27
Lk 6:39-42
“Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.”
We are often reminded of the many instances in the Bible that the measures we laid on others will be used to assess ourselves one day. “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Mt 7:1) It almost feels natural to convict others who critique by claiming the sin of being judgmental. Similarly in today’s Gospel, it can be conveniently associated with Jesus’s rebuttal of the proud man’s judgmental attitude. However, it can be quite clear that Jesus is not simply referring to the avoidance of being judgmental, since He ended the paragraph by indicating that the man should first take the plank out of his own eyes, so that he can see well enough to do the same for others.
It is a common human tendency to form opinions about others, but being judgmental can harm our relationships and limit our growth. That being said, judgment is a necessary part of the daily thought process. Good judgment enables us to make moral decisions and informed choices, and to better calculate the outcomes of our own as well as others’ behaviours. It gives us the opportunity to learn and grow, which are the foundations of wisdom. We use judgment in selecting a suitable principle applied to a given situation and identify what kind of actions are consistent with that principle. Without the capacity for good judgment, we could end up making miscalculations. Hence, exercising good judgment is, in fact, a gift that probably stems from the pivotal moment in the Garden of Eden.
However, being non-judgmental does not mean becoming indifferent or accepting everything without question. Obviously, Jesus is not inferring that we should live with the splinters and beams in our eyes and accept that situation for others as well. Adopting a non-judgmental attitude doesn’t mean that we have to be accepting of all faults and turning a blind eye to injustices. We can still hold our values and boundaries while respecting others’ autonomy and differences. One of the key distinctions between the realism of Jesus’ teachings and the practicality of modern times is that we tend to allow the erosion of values in order to maintain amicability. Many of us fail to distinguish the sin from the sinner. In fact, the sinner is likely the sin’s first, and most terrible, victim. By letting bad behaviours manifest and deteriorate against moral laws in an attempt of appearing non-judgmental is another way of enabling sin to thrive. In this manner, it is no longer about being pejorative, but rather a materialization of a non-judgmental hypocrite who prides itself along the lines of open-mindedness and inclusivity.
Ultimately, I believe empathy and the concept of non-judgmental go in tandem. When faced with the temptation to critique, understanding the situation and evaluating others’ responses could deter us from making quick assumptions. Slowness doesn’t hurt as much as a callous rebuttal, if we allow ourselves some degree of emotional buffer to form better perceptions. Called upon to judge, we can only pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us, even when our actions might bring about pain and anguish to others.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Dylan Tan)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for the wisdom to form better judgments and guidance in our interactions with others. Give us the strength and courage to see people, places, things and events through Your lens. Mould our hearts to see the truth and goodness in others, while upholding the moral standards You have imbued in us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Father, for being with us every single moment of our lives and for being our guiding light.
OXYGEN 
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