You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - 5th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 8:12-20*

*First Reading : Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62*

*You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.*

*1) The Question of Judgement*

First of all Jesus says *Do not judge others and you will not be judged*

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

So judgement is purely belong to God and not the Human beings 

*2) Judgment based on appearances*

In the Gospel of the day, Jesus speaks about the nature of Human judgment

Most f our judgements are based on  appearances. 

In fact a judgement can't be based on the appearance, but it should be based on the Truth 

Since our judgments are based on appearances and not on truth we are committing a great blunder in our life 

*3) Problem with the Judgement by appearance*

First of all it will be a wrong judgement

Secondly, mere appearance will not reveal the truth in it 

Appearance is purely based on the emotions and not on the reason 

Appearance is based on the individual perception and not in the truth 

*4) Judgement should based on two witnesses*

Jesus says it is very important to have two people agree on the same matter 

God's judgment is always based on two people's testimony, that is by the Father and the Son

Their judgement is not based on the appearance but based on the truth 

So the Judgement of God is always based on  truth

*5) Examples of Judgement based on appearances*

The judgement based on external beauty. If some one is beautiful can't considered as good 

All that is white is not Milk. But milk is always white 

All those who are intelligent need not be good people 

All those who are rich, need not be corrupt people 

All those who speak good things, need not be genuine people 

*6) Judgements based on appearances are unable to know the Truth*

Since they can't see the deeper reality, truth is  always hidden from the appearance

Appearance looks only what is beautiful and what is appealing to the senses 

Truth can't be based on the senses and appearances

Whatever appears beautiful may not be truth but truth always appears beautiful

*6) How do I Judge?*

Mother Theresa said, *If you are busy in Judging people where is the time to Love them?*

Do I judge people on external appearances or based on their real worth ? 

Does my judgement based on emotions or on reason? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*