John 11:45-57 Confess Your Own Sin

John 11:45-57 NIV
Many of the people who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection believed in Jesus. However, some did not and they plotted against. They went to the Pharisees to confess what they presumed to be Jesus' sins. They wanted to get rid of him.

Last week, I held our annual confirmation marathon. That is, we studied the catechism every morning, for five days in a row. I cannot count how many times I admonished the students to confess only their own sins, not their brother or sister's; not their neighbors. The eighth commandment forbids sharing with others our slanted perspective of our neighbor's sins. One exception might be is if you want me to mediate between the two of you to bring about a reconciliation. When we confess someone else's sins, it does neither of you (or me) any good. They cannot be absolved and you are convicted of gossiping (eighth commandment). When someone is in danger it is a good thing, even necessary, to alert someone in authority who can help that person. But, confessing their sins to make yourself look good and/or to get rid of them is definitely not the direction one should be headed.

May God be with you and your neighbor.
God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 6:37-42 Do Not Judge; Help

Luke 6:37-42 NIV
Today we have another very misunderstood lesson from Jesus. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged." This does not mean anything goes. When Jesus says that we are not to judge it does not mean that we should not help someone when they fall. When they stray from the path that he has set before us and start following other gods; then indeed, if we truly love others, we will help them back onto the path. Sometimes, this is mistaken for judgment and condemnation. Saving someone is a far cry from condemning them. Reminding them of the way in which the Lord would have us go does not mean that we are judging them; rather, it means that we are trying to help them.

On the other hand, before we begin to make sure someone is not straying to their own harm; we have to make sure that it is not we who are the ones who have been led astray. Indeed, Jesus reminds us over and over again that we are to teach correctly and admonish when necessary.
God's Peace - Pr. J