Daily Gospel Reflection for June 26, 2023

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

Reflection by Emily Davis

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7:1-5

Has anyone every been completely wrong about you? I know they have about me. It is not a great feeling to be on the receiving end of negative judgment. Am I right?

When our children were young, I remember them saying, “I didn’t mean to hurt him/her (or break their toy).” However, whether intentional or not, we still required a sincere apology and reparation of some kind. As moms/parents we approach life this way with our children. We lovingly teach them we know they didn’t intend harm. Why then, can’t we approach everyone this lovingly?

We are called to see others as Jesus sees them. We are called to guide people with our actions and lead them towards salvation. Jesus never says, “Tear other people down. Shame others. Humiliate others.” Jesus teaches us loving correction.

Instead Jesus says, in Matthew 7:1-2,

“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.”

Trust me, I am imperfect in this. Because I have the propensity to judge, God teaches me – in everyday examples from others who are destructive in the name of “being Christian.” They are great reminders of how not to behave. Jesus reminds me to judge an action, not the intent, as I am not Him. He reminds us that only God decides another’s eternal salvation. Jesus taught us to forgive others as we want to be forgiven. This includes not judging ourselves so harshly and absolutely forgiving ourselves, too.

Let’s be sincere about our struggles that made us stronger/wiser and not judge our brothers and sisters who are walking through similar struggles. Let’s be compassionate and loving towards others as we support their walk towards salvation, in His love.

Ponder:

Will you ask God to show you the difference between correction and judgment?

Pray:

Dear Lord, when I am tempted to judge, help me turn to You for guidance in my thoughts about and behavior towards others. Help me to see that my actions can shame or humiliate Your people, and that this sin ruins my heart, too.

Click to tweet:
Let’s be sincere about our struggles that made us stronger/wiser and not judge our brothers and sisters who are walking through similar struggles. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Emily Davis

Emily Davis is -- Catholic. Texan. Wife. Mama. Grandma. Crafter. Volunteer. Friend. Teacher. Writer. Faith Influencer. Recently made empty nesters, she and her husband, Marque, have been living in Italy since 2018, in support of the Navy/DoD. They are looking forward to this new period in their lives but miss their children and grandchildren dearly. Emily volunteers for both the Catholic Community and Military Community overseas. Her blog is Our Home, Mary’s Mantle.