JEREMIAH 11:18–20; PSALM 7; JOHN 7:40–53
Fair Hearing
“The law does not allow us to pass judgment on a man without hearing him” (John 7:51). This statement was made because the Pharisees rejected Jesus without proper investigation.
Today, many people are hated and rejected because of popular notions about them. The people who lived with Jesus were puzzled as to who he was—a prophet, the Messiah, or the prince of demons? This puzzle has not stopped, even today. It has led to criticism and the propagation of negative notions about people.
Oftentimes, these notions or dirty rumors are created out of jealousy and envy or broadcast by haters. The goal of such persons was captured by Jeremiah in the first reading; he says, “Let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name may be quickly forgotten” (Jer. 11:19).
Thus, such people desire to erase others off and wipe away their track records. Beloved, we must give people a fair hearing! Do not condemn anyone before you hear from him or her. That was how Jesus was condemned without a fair hearing. He was innocent but led to the slaughterhouse like a lamb (Jer. 11:19).
Let us pray
May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts aright, for without your grace we cannot find favor in your sight. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
