Sunday Reflections

Jesus and Judgment

The gospel reading for today is one that makes us uncomfortable because it talks about judgment and judgment provokes fear.

But a Jesus without a preaching of judgment, a Jesus who never warned, a Jesus who never spoke of consequences would be absolutely unworthy of belief! A world that is not judged is a world without hope, without purpose. At judgment, the masks will fall away, and all things will be revealed for whatever they truly are.  

Jesus provoked fear just as Israel’s prophets because the warning of judgment is always aimed to bring about change: that the poor and the oppressed, who have no one to stand with and for them, should be helped now…that the unjust structures of society should change now…that Israel should struggle for peace and justice now.

Jesus reminds us that there are consequences for actions. Salvation does not come about apart from judgment. When we are found “wanting,” we must rely upon God’s mercy. We can be reassured that God’s fidelity will shine amidst the infidelity of the people of God.

Perhaps Isaiah 54:6-8 sums up this process best: “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing wrath for a moment, I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer.”