Second Monday of Lent

Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you.

When we judge and condemn others, we judge and condemn ourselves. We cast the stone even though we are not sinless. Judgment and condemnation are reserved for God alone and when we usurp them for ourselves we manifest the original sin of Adam and Eve by claiming what is rightfully God’s, namely the knowledge of good and evil. This does not mean we stand idly by while people around us do evil, but rather that we confront it with love rather than judgment. We are called to hate the sin, but love the sinner. When we do this, we are more forgiving and giving of ourselves in love, even to those we dislike or who persecute us. God knows our hearts and as long as we strive to forgive and love, He will forgive and love us.

Who are we judging and condemning? Who should we forgive or give ourselves to? How can we manifest the love of God to those whom we dislike?

O Lord, help us cast aside judgment and condemnation and take up the mantle of forgiveness and love.

Amen.