God wants to empty your heart of judgment.

Judgment is one of the major obstacles that prevent us from loving others as God commands us to. It is also an obstacle in our quest to love ourselves as God wants us to.

Saint Thomas of Villanova emptied his heart of judgment and discovered the astounding ability to love that God made us for.

Thomas wasn’t spared the harshness of judgment from others. Because of his great intellect, everyone Thomas knew expected him to accept the prestigious position of professor at a fine university. But Thomas, to the general public’s shock, dedicated his life to God by joining the Augustinian Order. He soon became known for his service to the poor and sick. Those who society reviled, Thomas loved. Not a cent entered into his possession that he did not give away in charity. Even members of his community judged his tattered appearance and asked Thomas to at least buy new clothing, but he refused. He washed and mended the same habit he had been given upon entering the order, unwilling to spend anything on himself. 

Despite receiving so much judgment, Thomas made the conscious choice to practice non-judgment every single morning, when hundreds of people lined up outside his door to receive food and money. Not a soul left empty handed, not even those who did not appear to need such charity. Thomas received backlash for this; people were shocked that he gave to people from all walks of life. To those who judged his charity, he humbly said “My duty is to assist and relieve those who come to my door.” And this he did, day after day, without judgment. 

Our times are not so different from Thomas’. We live in a hyper-opinionated culture. As a result of all these opinions, we have become hyper-judgmental. All this judgment is unhealthy and unchristian. How many times a day do you judge other people? How many times a day do you judge yourself? Here is an immensely practical spiritual exercise: Count. For twenty-four hours, count how many times you judge something or someone.

“Do not judge.” This is one of Jesus’ clearest teachings. It is also a radical invitation and a very practical way to grow spiritually. Just focusing on reducing the amount of judgment in your life is a path to peace, joy, and incredible spiritual growth. 

God wants to empty your heart of judgment. Will you let him?



Feast Day: September 22

Feast Day Shared By: Saints Maurice and Companions, Saint Emerita, and Saint Basilla

Patron Saint of: Villanova University

Also Known As: The Father of the Poor

Symbols: A Bag of Coins

Canonized: November 1, 1658

Canonized By: Pope Alexander VII