Who Me? Judge You?

If you are like me, you find it hard not to judge. In fact, I find it almost impossible. I don't mean to do it, it just happens that way. I see someone and already my mind has filled in the blanks of who they are, what they are, how they are, etc.  Yes, it is totally not fair, and I would hate people to think that about me. But I fear they do. 

When you see a homeless person or someone who looks homeless, what is your first thought? Do you ask how they got there? What's wrong with them that they have to live that way? Do you blame them or society for their predicament? How can you help to reverse such an ingrained pattern of thought? I would suggest the one who is able to greet a stranger with kindness, in both though, word, and deed, is the one who is able to set his or her mind on God's interest and not their own. Why is that important? Read: Mark 8:34-38.

The Desert Fathers said that judging others is a heavy burden, while being judged by others is a light one.  Once we can let go of our need to judge others, we will experience an immense inner freedom.  Once we are free from judging, we will be also free for mercy.  Let's remember Jesus' words:  "Do not judge, and you will not be judged"  (Matthew 7:1-12).

Meditate: In everything I do, I will treat people the same way I want them to treat me; in my thoughts, in my words, and in my deeds.

Pray for those who are not like me, for the unfortunate who live not like I do but on the streets and in shelters, and pray that God will help me to remember that God alone is the judge who has called upon each one of us to help one another in times of need.