218. Sixth Tuesday of Ordinary Time
Meditations no. 93 (unofficial computer-aided translation)
Showing understanding whenever we have to judge.
Certain verses of St Paulâs Letter to Titus are an appeal for charity and understanding. The Apostle writes: Remind them ⌠to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. And he points out why we should act in this way: For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another; but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy.
When we realize that all the good we possess comes from Godâs infinite goodness and love, then, like Paul, we have compassion on the defects of others. Humility, which involves recognizing our own shortcomings, leads us to become more understanding.
Our Father writes: Self-knowledge is a prerequisite for true humility. When, for instance, we admit that deep down it is hard for us to reject flattery, and when we try to accept graciously the reactions which our external actions provoke in others, then we will be in a position to understand others and avoid critical, negative judgements. And we will say along with St Paul: I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
The first sign of a humble soul is the absence of critical spirit. Judge not, that you be not judged our Lord says. How can anyone who is truly conscious of their own wretchedness dare to sit in judgement on others? Rather they will recall our Lordâs promise: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Never think badly of anyone, not even if the words or conduct of the person in question give you good grounds for doing so.
Judgements should be the result of love, and full of charity.
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice ⌠the wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.
When a court has to judge someone, it examines the personâs conduct and deeds dispassionately, without necessarily delving into the intimate motives that lay behind them. If it does go into the motives, all too often it sees or imputes only unworthy or less worthy ones. The virtue of understanding, on the other hand, lovingly penetrates into the depths of the heart in order to discover the good that there is in every person. Understanding leads to a sharing in sentiments and in life.
Our Father wrote in 1932: We must be understanding, therefore, even though there may be some who donât want to be understanding towards us. Your love should extend to all souls, and should lead you to excuse and forgive them. Yours must be a love that covers over all the shortcomings of the human condition, a wonderful expression of charity: veritatem facientes in caritate (speaking the truth with love), following the truth of the Gospel in a spirit of charity.
Bear in mind that charity is more a matter of understanding than of giving. I wonât hide from you that I am experiencing in my own flesh how hard it is not to be understood. I have always tried to make myself understood. But there are people who are intent on not understanding me. This is a further reason why I want to understand everyone; and you should also make the effort to understand others.
Understanding is a task for the intellect, but the intellect should be moved and made more sensitive by love. True charity, which enables us to be understanding, tries to avoid making judgements when there is no obligation or need to do so. Let us be slow to judge. Each one sees things from his own point of view, as his mind, with all its limitations, shows him.
Even when we have a duty to judge, charity always finds excuses for the person judged. St Bernard writes: Even though you happen to see something wrong, donât be quick to judge your neighbour. Rather, excuse him in your heart. Find an excuse for his intention, if you cannot find one for his action. Reflect that he might have acted out of ignorance, or lack of preparation, or misfortune. If things are so clear that you cannot excuse in this way, try even then to find an excuse by saying to yourself that the temptation must have been very strong.
Understanding, which is a proof of love, is necessary if we want to attain holiness.
Charity does not consist so much in giving as in understanding. Therefore, if it is your duty to judge, seek an excuse for your neighbour; there is always one to be found.
Since sanctity is attained through love, understanding should be its distinguishing mark. Normally, saints are people who attract others. The love and understanding they show, which help to cure the wounds of the soul, also inspire others to open up their hearts.
We have to use all the means at our disposal to become saints. Consequently we need to be apostolic, open, and understanding. Let us learn how to look at things in a purer light - Godâs light - so that we can read peopleâs hearts the way we should. Donât judge, our Father advises us, without sifting your judgement in prayer.
We can never allow ourselves to be scandalized by the failings we see in others. We will always try to concentrate on their virtues and good points, and show understanding as regards their defects. And we will help them through fraternal correction, given with human and supernatural affection.
Following our Lordâs example, our Father wrote, you need to be very understanding towards your brothers or sisters and love them truly, and have such a big heart that you are shocked by nothing. I love you as your mothers do: because you are trying to be saints and because I think youâre marvellous! I donât have one heart for loving God and a different one for loving you. I love God with the same heart with which I love you, the same one with which I loved my parents.
When you are truly human yourself you will be able to overlook small defects in others, and with a motherâs understanding you will always see the good side of things.
Let us contemplate the most sweet Heart of our Mother Mary. There we will find goodness and understanding for everyoneâs failings, including our own. Let us place ourselves under her protection and ask her to fill our hearts with kindness.