Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Luke 6:37

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Judge not thy superior, that is, thou a disciple must not judge thy master, nor a sinner the innocent. Thou must not blame them, but advise and correct with love; neither must we pass judgment in doubtful and indifferent matters, which bear no resemblance to sin, or which are not serious or forbidden. You will not easily find any one, whether a father of a family or an inhabitant of the cloister, free from this error. But these are the wiles of the tempter. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Basil of Caesarea

For according to the same measure with which each one of you metes, that is, in doing good works or sinning, will he receive reward or punishment.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Gregory of Nyssa

Be not then rash to judge harshly of your servants, lest ye suffer the like. For passing judgment calls down a heavier condemnation; as it follows, Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned. For he does not forbid judgment with pardon.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

The practice of mercy is twofold: when vengeance is sacrificed and when compassion is shown. The Lord included both of these in his brief sentence: "Forgive, and you shall be forgiven; give, and it shall be given to you." This work has the effect of purifying the heart, so that, even under the limitations of this life, we are enabled with pure mind to see the immutable reality of God. There is something holding us back, which has to be loosed so that our sight may break through to the light. …

Letter 171A ↗

Ambrose of Milan

The Lord added, that we must not readily judge others, lest when conscious of guilt thyself, thou shouldest be compelled to pass sentence upon another.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

But behold, our enemy has grievously sinned against us, inflicted losses, harmed those who helped, persecuted those who loved. These things would need to be retained if our own sins were not to be forgiven. For our Advocate has composed a prayer for us in our case; and he who is the Advocate is himself the Judge of that same case. Moreover, he inserted a condition into the prayer he composed, saying: Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. …

Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 27 ↗