Daily Gospel Reflection for March 14, 2022

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

Today's Gospel: Luke 6:36-38

“I know you are, but what am I?” Did you ever use that one as a kid in response to another’s insult or teasing? How about this one? “I’m rubber and you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.” I’d like to say I was always too proper and mature to succumb to these less than humble retorts, but I have vivid memories of putting these gems to good use on the playground.

In today’s first reading, David makes no effort to try and escape the truth that he and his people are sinful. He readily accepts the shame tied to their sin and professes his understanding of God’s disappointment. He is an example to me, as I tend to rationalize my shortcomings (aka sins) and look for a way to bounce the need for retribution far from myself.

In much the same way, I can be quick to stick labels to others and profess judgment that was never meant to fall within my right to do so. It is so easy to get tied up in this cycle of looking at others' faults rather than taking a good look at ourselves. Today’s Gospel may seem challenging, but we should all find immense freedom in not having the right to judge another. It doesn’t mean we excuse sinful behavior, but rather we leave it to the One who loves enough to see the whole picture. We don't have the right to judge. We are free in the command to love.

Should David have tried to blame everyone but himself for the trials they had encountered all those years ago, he may have cried out to the Lord, “I know they are sinners Lord, but what am I?” To which God would have answered, "You too are a sinner. But you are also mine. You are loved, and you are forgiven.”

Ponder:

Take a moment to think of a situation in which you felt justified in judging another. Now look at the situation in the light of truth. It is not our role to judge another, but we do have the honor of loving them. Do you find freedom in this gift?

Pray:

Dear Lord, as we make our way through the blessing of this day, please keep the privilege of loving those around us in the forefront of our minds and protect us from the temptation to place judgment on our brothers and sisters.