In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us about the danger of judging others. So often, when we judge, we “fill in the blanks.” We assume we know another person’s motives, intentions, or circumstances. We forget how limited our knowledge really is and how much we ourselves depend on God’s mercy.
It is always easier to see the faults of others than to recognize our own. Admitting our weaknesses requires humility. It means acknowledging that we are not perfect, not fully in control, and that we too stand in need of forgiveness and grace.
The temptation to compare ourselves to others is a common one. We often measure ourselves against another person’s failures in order to feel better about ourselves. Yet every one of us struggles with sin. The particular sins may differ, but the need for God’s mercy is the same.
St. Augustine reminded his listeners that if we have not fallen into a particular sin, we should remember that we share the same human nature and could have done the same. Such humility opens our hearts to compassion, mercy, and charity.
Living in Love with God 
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