"In passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things."

The Epistle reading for today is taken from Paul’s letter to the Romans, which is considered to be Paul’s best work.  He writes:

Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. You say, ‘We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.’ Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. For he will repay according to each one’s deeds: to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be anguish and distress for everyone who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.  (Rm. 2:1-11).

People can be very quick to judge. Paul reminds us that the very thing that we may be judgmental of others for, we ourselves are doing.  That, I venture to say, is a common occurrence.  We recognize in others what we cannot stand in ourselves.  God wants to lead us to repentance, and part of repentance is the ability to be honest with ourselves.  Paul is also quick to remind us that God is patient with us, that God forgives us, therefore, we should forgive others.  God does not play favorites—God loves all equally.

Let us pray: O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

CALENDAR REMINDERS

SENIORS AT ST. AUG’S: Tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN, Saturday, 23 June at 10:00 a.m. at Sutton Hall at St. Augustine’s.

SUMMER ART PROGRAM: Please get the sign-up sheets in the narthex of the Church.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550