Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C
Reflecting on Luke 6: 27-38
I think I have some idea of how Jesus’ astonishing commandment to stop judging (lest you shall be judged) works. Have you ever made a large pronouncement about a particular person’s behavior, confident that your audience agreed with you, only to be humiliated when someone in the group simply and quietly reminded you to stop judging? I have, and it was painful.
The result, though, is that I am very cautious now about in whose company I make derogatory remarks about people. Since I thought it was safe to be condemnatory, and found out that, just as scripture warns, I ended up being condemned myself, I definitely look both ways before I open my mouth. And guess what? Over time, that practice of being VERY careful to whom I say ugly things about people has made me less judgmental, if only because I don’t get enough practice.
A body in motion stays in motion, and that’s good advice for our hearts. But a tongue in motion also stays in motion, and that’s very bad for our hearts. The discipline to guard our tongues against gossip, slander, or even just joining in with the crowd disparaging someone, is a strength that can go the distance throughout our lifetimes.
Looking back, how grateful are you that you held your tongue when you were angry with a teacher, your boss, your spouse, or your kids? I can think of so many uncharitable things that have floated across my brain at different times, but that, through God’s grace alone, I never said out loud. And Jesus’ math works: if you are kind, you will receive kindness. The Master Teacher shows us how to live.
What memories do you have of holding your tongue, and being grateful that you did?
Kathy McGovern ©2025