MONDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (I)
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Celebration: Ferial
Liturgical Colour: Green
📚 Table of the Word
First Reading: Genesis 12:1–9
Gospel: Matthew 7:1–5
Theme: Judge not, that you be not judged.
Reflection
Dearest friend(s), today's liturgy of the Word invites us to reflect on two themes: the call to step out in faith like Abraham as we can see in the first reading (cf. Genesis 12:1–9);
and the invitation to interior honesty and humility in judging ourselves before others; being;the résume of today's gospel pericope (cf. Matthew 7:1–5)
However, every journey of faith begins with a detachment and a paradigm shift from the comfort zone to where God will lead, it is a risk adventure due to the uncertainty of the journey. Above all God is always faithful to His Words, that is why today's Gospel acclamation has this to say: "The word of the Lord is living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). He knows the secret thought of ours, our cares and worries, as in the case of Abraham. Here God asked him to leave everything familiar: his land, his kindred, his father’s house and follow God's promise.
This moment marks a new spiritual era in salvation history. Abram (later Abraham) becomes the father of faith, not because he had all the answers, but because he trusted the promise of God. His obedience set the foundation for the covenant that would bless “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3).
In the same vein, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) has this to says: “Abraham believed God and walked in His presence and in covenant with Him. The patriarchs, prophets, and certain other Old Testament figures have been and always will be honoured as saints in all the Church’s liturgical traditions.” (CCC 61)
That is why in our reflection today, we too, are called to leave behind the comfort of our spiritual complacency and walk in trust wherever God calls us, whether in vocation, forgiveness, service, or deeper prayer.
We cannot respond to this clarion call without "letting go" ur pride, comfort, joy, all for the sake of peace. This will create a room to avoid the danger of hypocritical Judgment as we are exhorted in the gospel (cf. Matthew 7:1–5).
In the Gospel, Jesus offers a teaching both challenging and liberating: “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” (Matthew 7:3).
His teaching is not to reject righteous judgment or fraternal correction. Instead, He condemns hypocrisy, the failure to acknowledge our own faults while scrutinizing others.
The Gospel further place emphasis on interior examination, to see ourselves with humility, and to purify our vision before offering correction. As St. John Chrysostom wrote:
“Correct yourself first, and then you will know how to correct others.”
This echoes the Church’s teaching on fraternal correction with humility, while weighing our frailties and short comings.
Finally, let us remove the "log" in our own eyes by examining our hearts before criticizing others. Honest self-assessment is the seed of authentic holiness. Let us avoid rash judgment, especially in a world quick to condemn. Let mercy, not pride, be the measure by which we deal with others.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 23062025
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