Matthew 7: 3-5
He said, "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite,* remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye."
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Lent is a time during which “the Church unites herself … to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.” Right after we Mardi Gras right? Whew! Perfect timing Lord.
Looking at this week's devotional verse, we hear, "Do Not Judge." That's a difficult command! But what a beautiful verse to start off this Lenten season as we unite ourselves to Christ and try to live the way he did.
As I recently sat in a retreat listening to women I have known my whole life give their testimonies, I was awestruck. I often judge others without hesitation, sometimes without even mindfully realizing that I am in fact judging. But listening to these testimonies hit me in a new way; it humbled my thoughts. Woah! We just never know what battle wounds are on someone's heart when we judge them. Even when we think we know...The truth is, we just don't!
It is quite easy to judge in today's world with social media, statuses to keep up with and material things at our finger tips. That is exactly where Satan wants us ladies...scrolling through life and easily distracted.
In this week's devotional song, Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns, it says, "Nobody knows what we're for, only what we're against when we judge the wounded." A good friend of mine, Shaina Credeur, says, "When we point out others faults that is all people see. They do not see Christ within us or our Love for Christ. Jesus loved sinners, he didn't love their sin, but he wasn't a fault finder. He just showed God's love for them in remarkable, amazing ways."
This Lenten season, how can we humble our hearts for the benefit of the people around us? When we find ourselves being tempted to judge others by their actions, let's practice the pause and recall how Jesus overlooks our faults.
Much Love,
Danee' Deville
Action:
When I seek the Jesus in the Eucharist I find myself more intentional, loving, compassionate & merciful.
Here are a few ways we can seek Jesus daily.
-Adoration
-Daily Mass or Daily Mass Readings
-Practice Gratitude
-Listen to Praise & Worship Music
Reflect & Pray with Song for the week...
Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in Your name, but the sword was never ours to swing
Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.
- Casting Crowns