Judgement free zone

Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031725.cfm

Jesus calls us to put into the world what we want to get out of it. If you bring anger, you will experience anger in return. If you bring hate, you will find hate. There are actions that are harmonious and others that are discordant, both of which lead to an identical response.

Jesus tells us to stop the discordant actions of judgement and condemnation. These actions are adversarial and are returned with more adversarial actions. As with discordant actions,  harmonious actions work the same way. Forgiveness and generosity will be reciprocated with more forgiveness and generosity.

While this cause and effect can happen to us directly (and it often does), it also ripples out to innocent bystanders. When we are condemned and judged, it makes us more prone to condemn and judge others regardless if they were involved. Similarly, when we experience kindness from others, it makes us more prone to show kindness to the next person we encounter. Even if we don’t experience the reciprocation of kindness directly, the fact that we put it out in the world, is leading to more kindness.

As this gospel starts, we are called to be merciful as God is merciful. We are to see this paradigm for what it is and respond with mercy. As we encounter judgement and condemnation, we should double-down on forgiveness and generosity. We have it within us to be the needed change in the world, that is why we are here. Absorb the hate and respond with love and you will help the world grow in love.