Friday, September 9 : Saint Cyril of Alexandria

“The disciple is not above his teacher” (…). So then, if the Master does not judge, why are you judging ? He came not to judge the world, but to take pity on it (Jn 12:47). What he is saying, then, is this: “If I do not pass judgment, neither must you, my disciple. You may be even more guilty of the faults of which you accuse another. Will you not be ashamed when you come to realize this ?” The Lord uses another illustration for the same teaching when he says: “Why do you look for the speck in your brother’s eye?” With compelling arguments he persuades us that we should not want to judge others, but should rather examine our own hearts, and strive to expel the passions seated in them,. asking this grace from God. He it is who heals the contrite of heart and frees us from our spiritual disorders. If your own sins are greater and worse than other people’s, why do you censure them, and neglect what concerns yourself ? This precept, then, is essential for all who wish to live a holy life, and particularly for those who have undertaken the instruction of others. If they are virtuous and self-restrained, giving an example of the gospel way of life by their own actions, they will rebuke those who do not choose to live as they do in a friendly way, so as not to break their own habit of gentleness.
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team