Nathanael (Bartholomew) was prejudiced. He had never met Jesus, but had already judged Him incapable of good because Jesus came from Nazareth. Prejudice contributed to Jesus' crucifixion and death. Prejudice continues to be a major demonic stronghold in the world. Racial prejudice is one of the main motives for abortion and for many Christians' weak stand for life. Prejudice is also the main cause of war after war — from the Civil War to the World Wars to Bosnia-Herzegovina, etc. Even the Christians who keep warning others about being "judgmental" often fall into the sin of prejudice. If we classify people as liberal, conservative, traditional, fundamentalist, charismatic, etc., we often are prejudiced against them. For instance, the Enneagram can result in many problems. One of its bad effects is categorizing a person as a "1", a "4", or a "6." This can lead to the sin of prejudice.

Jesus has commanded us not to judge people at all (Mt 7:1-2), although we are ordered to judge true and false, and right and wrong (see Rm 12:2). Consequently, prejudice of people is a double sin — the sin of judgment and of pre-judgment (prejudice). Jesus changed Nathanael from prejudice to faith. May we let Him do the same for us as we repent of the sin of prejudice.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013

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