Dear Fathers,Friends in Christ
Luke 6:27-38
Stop Judging . . . Stop Condemning! (see Luke 6:37)
As humans it is part of our DNA, a broken part, to set ourselves apart from others -- to think and devise reasons why "we" are better than "they" are. We are trained to think that for me to win, someone must lose. For me to prosper, someone must go without. But Jesus points out that life is never a "zero-sum game." If we live truly and completely and without reservation, we can start a revolution -- one for the good!
Think for just a moment -- about a revolution of unconditional love. A place where there are no "we" and "they" -- but only us! There are no "others" -- only our brothers and sisters. Without judgment we do not need war. Without judgment we do not need condemnation. With love we need nothing else. Love is a stronghold and a shield; it is the very person of Jesus Christ Himself -- Incarnate Love!
So, if you are inclined to doing it, make yourself and all others happy by giving up all rash judgment. In your heart of hearts make a palace of love that invites everyone you meet to come in. Do as Blessed Mother Teresa did. Show your great love through tiny things and show it to everyone. Show it to everyone alike. For, love only grows larger in being shared. It can never be divided. Only multiplied!
Father Ed Bakker.
