Romans 2:1-11

Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. You say, “We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.” Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. For he will repay according to each one’s deeds: to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be anguish and distress for everyone who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.

Reflection by Lillian Daniel

In our family we have a rule: Nobody can tell anybody else what they should give up for Lent.

You can imagine how we came up with such a rule. "So let's all go around the table and talk about what we're thinking about doing for Lent," quickly turned into, "I'll tell you what Dad should give up for Lent!"

Everyone's an expert about other people's spiritual welfare.

"Why give up sweets? You're already skinny."

"Cursing doesn't hurt anybody. What about global warming?"

"If you give up shopping and spending, it hurts the economy."

"You said you were giving up sweets, but I saw you eating ice cream straight out of the container after you thought we were all asleep!"

By now we are well into Lent and the things you gave up may be tempting you. Perhaps they already have. The good things you decided to do and add to your life may have proven harder to fit in than you thought.

But remember, whenever we try to get closer to God, it's only natural for the competition to show up. If Jesus had to fight off the devil's temptation in the desert, you know you'll have to as well.

Don't let other people's comments or judgments slow you down or discourage you. You know what you need to do for Lent, and God is still eager to help you do it.

Prayer

Jesus, give me strength when the devil tempts me with ridicule and criticism. I'm trying to follow you instead. Amen.