Stop judging and you will not be judged

Two men approached the Pearly Gates. One was a rough cut, profane man. Foul mouthed; usually unkind and known to frequent places that only miserable people go. His name was "Woe", and in his life those that knew him generally avoided him because any exchange was sure to be unpleasant; in truth - he usually avoided other people as well, and for the same reason. The other man was a clean cut well respected "pillar of the community" who was a prominent Church goer and member of the local Town council. "Comfort" was his name;  he was a friendly and approachable person - one whom people liked to be with. 

When Woe approached St. Peter, the kind saint dropped what he was doing and approached him with open arms. Before they reached each other, Our Lord rushed out, quickly embracing Woe as St Peter stepped aside, and the two embraced for a long while. The ablution that was Woe's tears cleansed his garments and together they walked inside, the Lord's arm was firmly around Woe's shoulders. Woe was heard protesting: "But I did this," .... and "I didn't do that..." Jesus seemed to ignore Woe's protests. He only said that he was "His beloved" and that He has a special place prepared for him. You see; Woe had lead a troubled life. From his youth, many people had wronged him in so many different ways. Yet despite the unfairness of it all, Woe nursed his wounds and carried on. Through time and misfortune he grew used to the abuse and disrespect that was his lot. He came to expect it. You see, there was a part of him that thought maybe he was not worthy of anything else. And yes, he was gruff and  unpleasant - after all, it is difficult to reconcile the hurt and desolation with the desire to love and be loved. 

When Comfort approached, St Peter was very busy. The productive saint didn't seem to notice Comfort as he waited patiently. At one point Comfort thought that clearing his throat might make St. Peter aware of his presence, but the disinterested Saint only raised a finger as he continued to attend to the business at hand. Now Comfort was used to overt displays of courtesy - people usually acknowledged him respectfully and received him warmly wherever he went. But this was reaching the point that it was downright rude. Comfort started to say something when Saint Peter - still looking at his paperwork - interrupted him; "There is a very long list here of people that have grievances against you, and Justice demands that each and everyone of these are addressed." Comfort protested: "Wait a minute! I saw that rude fellow Woe was quickly escorted in. Surly hist list is longer than mine....." "Yes it was, Comfort - but in his life, Woe never demanded Justice for himself, for the sake of meaningful relationship he was always willing to let abuse and malevolence be forgot. Yet he never received any Justice, nor did he find meaningful relationship. The rudeness that you saw was a bitter reflection of what he received in life. Now then; Comfort; You demanded Justice for every slight that you received, didn't you? It says here, that you are quoted as saying in a civil lawsuit that you 'only wanted to receive what you have coming to you.' Let's begin, shall we?"

Our Lords words in this week's Gospel haunt me: "Stop judging and you will not be judged" I call myself "Theophilus" - but there are those that call me "Comfort."

    ++ Theophilus