Question:
Bro. Ignatius Mary,
I can see, as well as empathize with your frustration caused by the degree of mixed controversial sentiments and lack of Christian charity, exercised by so many, regarding the death and disposition of the soul of Senator Ted Kennedy.
Unfortunately, you are the only Christian, informed voice of Christ, present at this time, to over turn, as you put it, “the rash judgements, judgmentalism in general, apparent bitterness, and resentments", whether knowingly or unknowingly, by your readers.
Without your voice to overturn such resentment, judgment, seeming more like revenge, being demanded by those who do not understand the meaning of judgment, and that judgment belongs to God, and to God alone, can, without your spiritual guidance, can place their soul in grave danger.
Perhaps, you could write one final post explaining God’s position when He said, “Judgment is mine says the Lord” and “Judge not, lest you be judged”. These people, the lost sheep that Christ has entrusted to for their spiritual guidance and welfare, need your council. Perhaps just a reminder of just how surprised they will be, should they be fortunate enough to find themselves in heaven, they see certain souls that they never, ever, thought would be there, and do not see certain souls that they surely thought would be there.
Bro. Ignatius Mary I truly believe that most people simply do not understand that although God does permit judgment regarding what is, or is not, a sin, i.e. according to the Teaching and Doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. However, judgment of your brother is not permitted, for such judgment is reserved solely to God, and God alone.
Bro. Ignatius Mary, this is simply a suggestion, you do not have to publish this should you deem it to be of a nature not in agreement with your decision against any further discussion regarding this subject.
Thank you for your ministry and may God bless you,
Vincent.
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Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Vincent:
As it happens I am preparing an essay right now to deal with this subject of the definition and nature of scandal, rash judgment, and how to react to these sorts of events. I hope to have this essay done this weekend. It will be published in the "Open Discussion" Forum on the Spiritual Warfare Bulletin Board. The Open Discussion Forum is open to the public, so one does not have to join the BBS to read it.
As for judgment, we are to judge people in terms of ideas and behaviors. One of the precepts of the Church is to admonish a sinner. One cannot do that if we cannot judge that someone has committed a sin. What we are not to do is to judge the hearts of anyone, or to judge hypocritically or with double-standard, or out of vengeance, in rash judgment, or in false witness.
You might be interested in an essay I wrote many years ago that includes a section on the issue of judging. It is called the Three Secret Strategies of Satan (pdf file).
God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary
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