Many who think themselves to be religious often forget one
of the Lord’s most important commandments: do not judge. On the contrary, no matter what path we take,
as we grow closer to God in a genuine way, compassion increases and judgment
ceases. We develop a profound respect for the mystery of another person. We
become more aware that we are hardly ever aware of the burdens another person
may be carrying or the struggles they are enduring. We become less
exclusionary, and as I mentioned a few days ago, in peace we “give permission”
to others to be who they are.
There is a difference between knowing a lot about
Christianity and BEING a Christian. Those who merely know are prone to use
their knowledge as a weapon. Those who merely know think their knowledge gives
them the right—or even the responsibility—to sit in judgment over others. Consider
the Pharisees in Jesus’ time and how vehemently he condemns them, not only for
their own hypocrisy but also for the pain and harm they do in the lives of good
and decent ordinary folk.
I once saw someone wearing a t-shirt that said, “Lord Jesus,
save me from your followers.” Don’t become that sort of Christian.
“Holy Mary,
mother of God, pray for US SINNERS now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
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