The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice,
says the Lord,
I know them and they follow me. JN 10:27
ROMANS 2:1-11
My Soul's Beloved,
This is a sobering reminder to us all, 'God has no favorites', so let us disabuse ourselves of the notion that because we are Jews or we are Catholics, we will be judged less harshly. The fact of the matter is that we, Catholics, will be judged more stringently, for we were baptized into the Church You founded, and it is this Church alone which possesses the fullness of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.
How easily we point fingers at others, how readily we dissect the faults, failings, and actions of others while giving ourselves a pass. We are blind to the very sins that we accuse others of, only because we possess these same weaknesses and frailties and can recognize them so clearly reflected in those we judge. Let us not delay our return to the fold, Lord, for we do not know the day or the hour when our time on earth will end and we will stand before You, the just judge. Now is the time to repent. Now is the hour to come before You with a humble and contrite heart and beg for the forgiveness of our sins.
While there is yet time, Lord, grant us the grace to use every opportunity that You give us to do good, not evil. To share what You have given us so generously. Not to hoard anything, either spiritual or temporal, lest on the day of judgement we will be condemned just as harshly as we have judged and condemned others.
No matter who you are, if you pass judgement you have no excuse. In judging others you condemn yourself, since you behave no differently from those you judge. We know that God condemns that sort of behaviour impartially: and when you judge those who behave like this while you are doing exactly the same, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or are you abusing his abundant goodness, patience and toleration, not realising that this goodness of God is meant to lead you to repentance? Your stubborn refusal to repent is only adding to the anger God will have towards you on that day of anger when his just judgements will be made known. He will repay each one as his works deserve. For those who sought renown and honour and immortality by always doing good there will be eternal life; for the unsubmissive who refused to take truth for their guide and took depravity instead, there will be anger and fury. Pain and suffering will come to every human being who employs himself in evil – Jews first, but Greeks as well; renown, honour and peace will come to everyone who does good – Jews first, but Greeks as well. God has no favourites.
PSALM 61(62):2-3,6-7,9
Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
In God alone is my soul at rest;
my help comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
In God alone be at rest, my soul;
for my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Trust him at all times.
Pour out your hearts before him
for God is our refuge.
Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
LUKE 11:42-46
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