6/22/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 7:1-5
Jesus said to his disciples:
1 “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?
5 You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”
6/22/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 7:1-5
The Gospel passage reminds us that before looking at the faults of others, we must first examine our own hearts. It is easy to notice mistakes in people around us. We may criticize a family member, judge a coworker, or complain about a neighbor. Yet Jesus teaches that true wisdom begins with self-examination. The more we recognize our own weaknesses, the more humble, compassionate, and understanding we become.
To remember this lesson, use the word JUDGE:
J – Journey inward first.
Before pointing out what is wrong with others, take time to reflect on your own attitudes, actions, and motives. Growth begins when we honestly evaluate ourselves.
U – Understand before criticizing.
People carry burdens, struggles, and stories we may never fully know. Understanding creates compassion, while quick judgment often creates division.
D – Develop humility.
Humility reminds us that no one is perfect. We all need patience, forgiveness, and grace. When we acknowledge our own flaws, we become less harsh toward others.
G – Give mercy generously.
The kindness we extend to others often returns to us. Choosing mercy over condemnation reflects a heart that has learned the value of forgiveness.
E – Encourage transformation.
The goal is not to find faults but to help people grow. Correcting others is meaningful only when it comes from genuine love and a sincere desire to help.
Imagine a dusty mirror. If the mirror itself is dirty, it cannot clearly reflect anything. In the same way, when our hearts are clouded by pride, anger, or self-righteousness, we cannot see others accurately. But when we allow God to cleanse our hearts, our vision becomes clearer. We learn to see people not merely through their failures but through their potential.
This Gospel challenges us to replace criticism with compassion, condemnation with understanding, and pride with humility. Every day presents opportunities to choose kindness instead of judgment. When we focus first on improving ourselves, we become better instruments of peace and encouragement.
Today, before commenting on someone else’s shortcomings, pause and ask: “What can I learn about myself first?” That simple question can transform relationships, deepen humility, and open the door to greater love.
Remember: JUDGE
Journey inward first
Understand before criticizing
Develop humility
Give mercy generously
Encourage transformation
When we practice these principles, we become less focused on finding faults and more committed to building people up with love, wisdom, and grace.
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It is also important to understand what Jesus did not mean. Some people misuse the command “do not judge” as a shield against accountability. When their actions are questioned, they quickly respond, “You are judging me.” However, Jesus was not forbidding discernment, correction, or the recognition of right and wrong. He was warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. There is a big difference between condemning a person and lovingly pointing out a harmful behavior. A doctor who diagnoses a disease is not condemning the patient but helping him heal. In the same way, sincere correction given with humility and love can be an act of compassion. The Gospel does not excuse wrongdoing or encourage us to ignore truth; rather, it teaches us to examine ourselves first so that we can help others with wisdom, mercy, and integrity.
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This teaching is also often misunderstood in matters that require sound judgment, such as choosing leaders or deciding legal cases. When citizens vote for public officials, they are expected to examine a candidate’s character, competence, integrity, and record. Likewise, judges, juries, teachers, employers, and parents must evaluate actions and make decisions based on facts and evidence. Jesus was not condemning this kind of responsible judgment. Society could not function without it. The Gospel warns against judging with prejudice, hypocrisy, or personal bias, but it does not forbid careful discernment. In fact, making wise decisions requires us to distinguish between what is good and harmful, honest and dishonest, just and unjust. The challenge is to judge actions fairly while respecting the dignity of every person. We must seek truth without arrogance and exercise authority without forgetting our own need for mercy and accountability.
In short, Matthew 7:1-5 does not prohibit legitimate evaluation or judgment in civic, legal, professional, or personal responsibilities. Rather, it condemns hypocritical, unfair, and self-righteous judgment while encouraging discernment rooted in humility, truth, and justice.
Go here to read further Gospel reflection.
