Daily Gospel Reflection for June 22, 2020

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Lyn Francisco

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:1-5

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus’ teaching on judging others, which is a part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7) which emphasizes His moral teachings. This passage gives good advice: don’t judge others. You don’t know truly what is in other peoples’ hearts, the experiences they may be going through.

This woman might be battling an auto-immune disease that prevents her from moving without pain, which is why she might need that handicap placard in her car. That man might be deep in mourning for the loss of his loved ones, but you wouldn’t know it when you see the smile on his cheery face. This child might be on the autism spectrum, so you may find his behavior to be unusual.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, with how polarized we are as a country and as a society, you see and hear of people being judgmental of others solely based on their beliefs. I often think of this passage from John when Jesus was admonishing the Pharisees when they were testing him with regards to an adulterer: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). This passage, in conjunction with the passage from Matthew, gives me a strong reminder that it’s best not to judge others. We are all sinners, and no one is worthy to judge or condemn others because of that. That judgment is for God alone. Also, as I mentioned above, you never know what others are going through or what might be in their heart.

We are all sinners, and no one is worthy to judge or condemn others because of that. That judgment is for God alone. #dailygospel

Ponder:

Pray:

Gracious God, help us to pray for those who are judged hastily or harshly, and for us to remember to be compassionate towards all Your children. Amen.

Copyright 2020 Lyn Francisco

Lyn Francisco is an organic chemist by training and education. When she is not at the lab bench, she occupies an organ bench in churches around Durham, NC. She also serves as cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham.