"I did not come to condemn the world but to save it." We need to hear such consoling words from Jesus and take them to heart through further reflection and prayer. In preaching and in catechism classes, we perhaps too often speak about sin. The daily news reminds us painfully of the sin of the world. Even our Eucharist Liturgy speaks of sin some seven times. It is necessary to be aware of the reality of sin in the world especially as it threatens to implicate us: We must be on our guard against temptation. But we cannot lead fruitful and meaningful spiritual lives if we do not look more often at what God has done for us in Christ. The consolation of our faith and hope are necessary nutriments in fostering growth in Christ.

Jesus is not suggesting that there will be no judgement. Indeed he rather perceptively suggests that judgement is an ongoing process: "Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words already has his judge." Every day we are faced with many decisions, both great and small. Many of them may not seem to have any significance for eternal life but Jesus consistently teaches that even small things are important.