FRIDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Ferial
Liturgical Colour: Green
Table of the Word
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-2.12-14
Gospel: Luke 6:27-38
Theme: Judge Not!
And the Lord Whispers: "Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” (Luke 6:41).
Reflection
Jesus warns against a spirit of judgment that blinds us to our own faults. We are quick to spot the “speck” in another, yet slow to confront the “log” within ourselves. To judge harshly is to forget that we, too, are recipients of God’s mercy.
Paul in the first reading recalls his own past as a persecutor but rejoices that “the grace of our Lord overflowed” for him (1 Tim 1:14). Instead of condemning others, he points to the mercy that saved him. His life reminds us that God’s way is not judgment but transformation through love. True discipleship means replacing condemnation with compassion, criticism with correction in love, and judgment with intercession.
However, the Scripture also has this to say: “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). This signifies God whispering to us: "My child, I see all with eyes of mercy, learn to see others the same way."
Also, Pope Francis once reminds us: “Who am I to judge?” - a call to imitate Christ’s gaze of mercy rather than condemnation. While the Catechism teaches: “Forgiveness proves that we ourselves have been forgiven.” (CCC 2840).
Beloved in Christ, on our own part before correcting others, let us ask: Am I also working on my own weaknesses?
Let us replace judgmental thoughts with a prayer of blessing for the person. When tempted to criticize, remember the mercy God has already shown you.
Finally, in our day-to-day living experience, let us first of all judge ourselves, and then allow God to judge others. For if God were to mark our iniquities none of us will survive.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 12092025
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