Reflection: Luke 6:39-42

Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time - Luke 6:39-42

In this Gospel, Jesus talks about our human tendency to have splinters and wooden beams in our eyes. These objects keep us from seeing the whole picture.  Jesus wants his disciples to be fully aware of their natural tendency to automatically judge others, to notice the splinter in someone else’s eye while totally missing the wooden beams in their own eyes.

The difficulty is that for most of us, our tendency to judge is automatic. Often, I judge someone and I may not be consciously aware that I am making a judgment. If we choose to do so, though, we can work at freeing ourselves of judgment. Most likely we will not become 100% judgment free. However, if we choose to release a judgment, we free ourselves to enter into a closer relationship with someone.

Today I invite you to practice not judging others. Throughout the day, be alert and aware. If you realize that you are judging another person, consciously release your judgment. At the end of the day review your progress in letting go of judgment. Be patient with yourself. We have been judging others most likely since we came forth from the womb. It takes practice and more practice to refrain from judgment. However, as you progress in this effort notice: Are you more content? Was your day more peaceful? And who knows, perhaps the other person also may have been more peaceful and content!