Daily Reflection for Wednesday April 28, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042821.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 12: 24-13: 5a
Responsorial Psalm: 67: 2,3, 5-6 and 8
Gospel: John 12: 44-50
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
“I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day.” John 12: 47b, 48.
If Jesus did not condemn those who did not accept him and his words, who am I to think I can condemn anyone during my time on earth?
Let’s face it. We judge others. Whether our perceptions of another are right or wrong, in the recesses of our minds, we judge. I like to think there is always room in my heart to love everyone, but that does not excuse even momentary judgement. This nature of ours, to compare, size up and judge, is not Christ-like.
While on earth, Jesus stayed focused on his mission to love and to be the light of the world for all people. He came to save all of us and leaves judgement to the Father on the last day.
We, too, should focus on our earthly ministry to follow Jesus’ instructions and help bring souls to God. It is through love that souls find the Lord. Like Jesus, we must stay focused, condemning no one.
As a child or adult, have you ever been on the receiving end of someone’s condemnation and judgement? Words are not even needed to experience that sinking feeling. Justified or not, judgement by other people is painful, divisive, and destructive, not life-giving. People’s judgement can be soul crushing. Maybe our judgement is the result of gossip or lies; age, skin color, or religion; size, disability, education, or poverty. Whatever the reason, feeling “less than” wounds the soul.
During his time on earth Jesus left judgement to the Father in Heaven. We should carefully follow his example, so we do not allow human error to get in the way of a soul’s salvation on its journey to the Father. Our direction is to love and to help save souls.
Today’s scripture reminds me to do my job as a Christian and stay focused on love and compassion for all as Jesus taught. God will take care of any judgement or condemnation on the last day.
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty