St. Paul said that we do the same things we condemn others for doing. At first, almost everyone disagrees with this. In fact, we pride ourselves on not having the worst faults of others. Yet if we look more closely at ourselves and let the Spirit guide us to all truth (Jn 16:13), we will find that Paul is right. We actually do the same things that we most vehemently condemn in others.

For example, many who condemn young people for taking drugs are themselves addicted to alcohol, caffeine, and/or nicotine. Some who condemn those having abortions have also aborted their children through some forms of birth control. Many older people condemn young people for not going to church, although they themselves only go because it's their Sunday obligation. Numerous other cases demonstrate Paul's principle: We condemn in others what we are very permissive about in ourselves.

"Do you suppose, then, that you will escape His judgment, you who condemn these things in others yet do them yourself? Or do you presume on His kindness and forbearance? Do you not know that God's kindness is an invitation to you to repent?" (Rm 2:3-4) We must let the Spirit convict us of our sins, and repent.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 2013

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