Hope in the Time of Corona

In today’s gospel reading from Matthew, 7:1-5 Jesus warns his disciples to stop judging others because they too, will be judged by their own measure. Jesus’ words are firm and straight forward, saying that one who judges another without first removing ‘the wooden beam from his own eyes’ a hypocrite.  I think we can all safely say that we are all guilty of judging others at some time or another. In fact, it is human nature to judge, however when we judge another human being based on our own perspective and moral measure, we are hypocrites!

We, humans judge, and many times discriminate others based on their differences be it gender, age, skin color, religious beliefs, political views, ideology, and so on. When we judge others, the dark clouds surround our hearts and minds so that we do not see others with a right mind. Rather our perspective of the other is clouded by obstacles that get in our way such as our pride, selfishness, self-righteousness, fear, anger, envy, and greed.  We become blind and hypocrites because we too, have a wooden beam in our eye that prevent us from seeing our sister and brother for who they truly are… God’s beloved.

As I read the words of Jesus, I am reminded of Johnny Nash’s song released in 1972, “I can see clearly now” -- “I can see clearly now the rain is gone; I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.”

I am quick to judge sometimes, but Johnny Nash's song has a beautiful verse that helps me to remember that maybe not now, but as I continue to work on removing those obstacles that prevent me from seeing others as God sees us, eventually I will become less judgemental and learn to love others as God loves me, knowing that we are all God's beloved.   Then I can sing along with Nash, "I think I can make it now; the pain is gone. All of the bad feelings have disappeared. Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for It’s going to be bright, bright Sun-shiny day!” “It’s going to be bright, bright, Sun-shiny day.”

What is it that clouds your perspective and negatively informs your sense of judgement of the "other" and of yourself?  What are the obstacles that Keey you from seeing clearly; from seeing Jesus in oneself and the other.

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