Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.
Focus: Taking his seat in his chambers, the judge faced the opposing lawyers. “So,” he said, “I have been presented, by both of you, with a bribe.” Both lawyers squirmed uncomfortably. “You, attorney Leon, gave me $15,000. And you, attorney Campos, gave me $10,000.”
The judge reached into his pocket and pulled out a check. He handed it to Leon … “Now then, I’m returning $5,000, and we’re going to decide this case solely on its merits.”
The “ Do Unto Others” or “Golden Rule” dates at least to the early Confucian times (551–479 BC). This concept appears prominently in Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and “the rest of the world’s major religions”. One hundred forty three leaders of the world’s major faiths endorsed the Golden Rule as part of the 1993 “Declaration Toward a Global Ethic” The “Golden Rule” can be “found in some form in almost every ethical tradition” and is the basis of of Kant’s Categorical Imperatives.
Today’s discussion centers on judging and compassion; the former seems to be commonly found while there is scarcity of the latter.
Sentences on the Subject: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. -Matthew 7 NIV
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7. NIV
There is … only a single categorical imperative and it is this: Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. -Kant
We are very good lawyers for our own mistakes, but very good judges for the mistakes of others. -Anon.
Love is the absence of judgment. – Dalai Lama
I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.– Franklin D. Roosevelt
Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.- Thomas Merton
“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” — Nelson Mandela
Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
Probe 1.
Probe 2 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Probe 3 Hillel, perhaps the greatest rabbi of the Talmud, lived about 110BCE. Legend has it that he was once challenged to summarize the Talnud while standing on one foot. His response“That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow”—along with the admonition to keep studying. How does this statement compare to Christ’s summation?
Probe 4.
Probe 5. Consider the quotes in the Sentences on the Subject. Is there one that resonates with you? Do you have a different saying about judging or compassion that you like?
Take Away.
Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.
My Thoughts and the Thoughts of Others 