Judica Me
When you go to a government school in this country one of the first things you learn is, “Don’t Judge”. Over and over again students are admonished. “Do not Judge”. Think you know what is right and wrong? “Don’t judge”. Think you know what is normal? “Don’t Judge”. This attitude anesthesizes and then paralyzes the conscience, suspends reason and leaves one vulnerable to relativism.
What a contrast then to hear in the Mass:
Judica me Déus,
et discérne cáusam méam de génte non sáncta:
ab hómine iníquo et doló so éripe me:
quia tu es Déus méus,
et fortitúdo méa.
Judge me, O God,
and distinguish my cause against an ungodly nation:
O deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man:
for Thou art my God and my strength.
A clear and direct statement is made, a plea even to God. Render thy good judgment and find me worthy. And how is it that we can request judgment? First we rely upon God in His Mercy. There is a lot to be said for knowing one’s place and having the Trust in God to appeal to Him for mercy. Secondly, we appeal to God as our superior. I know, I know, we are all supposed to be equal, the same, communally miserable but like children desiring to be the favored son or daughter we place ourselves at the service of God and trust in His indulgence and paternal care. Finally with a right ordered conscience, and a commitment to the Will of God, as expressed through the Church, we may in confidence approach God saying, “We are seeking Your Will- to know it and to do it.” And we ask You to judge us.
God’s judgment is inescapable and eventual. If we ignore it we are deluding ourselves. Keeping God’s judgment in mind- a judgment based on justice and mercy, we are reminded, gently to stay in the Will of God.
