Today's Gospel (Matthew 7:1-5) reminds us that the same measure by which we judge others will also be the very same measure which we will be judged. Who likes that? I don't, but our human nature and sinful pride often make us easier to point out the shortcoming of others even before we look into the weaknesses and limitations we have in ourselves.

I admit it's not an overnight job to really conform to this gospel teaching because even if the spirit is willing, the flesh is really very weak. I tried, I failed. But God says I can always try again.

One thing though that made it easier for me to be less judgmental of others is going to confession regularly. This sacrament is one thing I didn't appreciate before because I used to think that why do I need a priest when I can just say it directly to God. His grace made me experience the wonders of humility, which slowly transformed my perception as well. It's like as if picking up a gigantic magic mirror and seeing my sinful nature being reflected back at me. Going to confession more regularly made me see how much of a sinner I am, and how I am in dire need of His mercy. The more we discover this need in ourselves, the lesser we become critical of others, the lesser we demand of perfection from them and from our selves as well.

I believe the world can become a more peaceful place if we opt to pick up mirrors instead of magnifying glasses. But if we can't help but pick up these magnifying glasses, can we just point it over strengths, talents, abilities and magnify them instead?

Pointing out other people's sins doesn't make ours smaller, but pointing out our own sins make another thing bigger- our need for God and His love and mercy in our lives every single day.

God bless your day.