Don't judge without hearing both

Gospel

John 7:40-52

The Law does not allow us to pass judgement on a man without hearing him

Several people who had been listening to Jesus said, ‘Surely he must be the prophet’, and some said, ‘He is the Christ’, but others said, ‘Would the Christ be from Galilee? Does not scripture say that the Christ must be descended from David and come from the town of Bethlehem?’ So the people could not agree about him. Some would have liked to arrest him, but no one actually laid hands on him.

The police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees who said to them, ‘Why haven’t you brought him?’ The police replied, ‘There has never been anybody who has spoken like him.’ ‘So’ the Pharisees answered ‘you have been led astray as well? Have any of the authorities believed in him? Any of the Pharisees? This rabble knows nothing about the Law – they are damned.’ One of them, Nicodemus – the same man who had come to Jesus earlier – said to them, ‘But surely the Law does not allow us to pass judgement on a man without giving him a hearing and discovering what he is about?’ To this they answered, ‘Are you a Galilean too? Go into the matter, and see for yourself: prophets do not come out of Galilee.’

Reflection

In the crowd’s debate about Jesus, the truth remained unsettled because people spoke from desire, fear, and tradition rather than a listening heart. Nicodemus reminds us that justice begins with hearing the other, with giving space to inquiry before verdict. When we slow to listen, we might discover that truth often speaks in ways we do not expect, and mercy invites us beyond quick judgments.

One reflection question

How can I cultivate a listening posture today that allows others to be heard before I form a judgment?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, empower me to listen first, to seek understanding before condemnation, and to speak with mercy. Help me discern truth with humility, and grant me the courage to act justly and lovingly toward all. Amen.

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