Wednesday - Third week of Advent

“Not by appearance shall he judge nor by hearsay shall he decide but he shall judge the poor with justice and decide aright for the land’s afflicted.” (Isaiah 11)

Maybe we do it all once in a while: judging other people. However, this form of prejudice is not compatible with following Jesus. Of course, we all know that but still it has been a part of the Church throughout the ages. Prejudice makes us spiritually blinded. It makes us measure people not by fact but what we hear. We need to realize that God values people that are rejected by the world.

As we approach Christmas we need to look into our hearts and determine what our motivations are. We need to ask ourselves whether we lifted people up or brought them down. Did we love them for what they are? Our neighbors and the beloved children of God! Did we treated them right even if there were disagreements or difference in choices they made for their lives? If there was pride and arrogance in our own spiritual live, we need to ask the Lord for grace and forgiveness for that. We need to ask God for forgiveness for the sin of prejudice and partiality. We have to ask God to make us more loving towards our neighbors. Prejudice can only be overcome with Gods grace.

We need to become more Christ alike. As the Prophet tells us today: “not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted”. So, let us try to walk in the footsteps of Jesus but “judge with justice”. As often as we good to one of his brothers and sisters, we have done it for Him!  We have to treat people as Christ did and glorify through our actions. Let us pray that we may be receive the grace to live our lives in this way. Amen